Whether you're replacing a tired, patchy lawn or creating a new one after building work, the big decision is whether to lay turf or sow seed. Both can give you a healthy, good-looking lawn, but they differ in speed, cost factors, timing and aftercare. This guide compares them for gardens in Guildford, Godalming, Woking and Cranleigh, where soils range from chalk to sand to heavy clay.
Preparation matters more than the choice
Whichever you choose, the result depends on what's underneath. Most lawn failures come from poor ground preparation, not from the turf or seed itself. A new lawn needs:
- Old grass, weeds and roots removed
- Builders' rubble and stones cleared, which is especially important on new-build plots
- Compacted ground broken up so roots and water can get down
- A good depth of quality topsoil
- Careful levelling and firming to avoid bumps and hollows
- Drainage sorted out where the ground waterlogs
Skipping this stage to save money is a false economy. Turf laid on poor ground will struggle, and seed sown on uneven ground leaves a bumpy lawn.
Turf: the pros and cons
Advantages of turf
- Instant result: you have a green lawn the day it's laid.
- Usable sooner: once rooted, usually within a few weeks, it can take light use.
- Fewer weeds: good-quality turf forms a dense cover that leaves little room for weed seeds.
- Less erosion: useful on slopes, where seed can wash away in heavy rain.
- Flexible timing: it can be laid for much of the year, as long as the ground isn't frozen, waterlogged or baked dry.
Disadvantages of turf
- Higher material cost than seed for the same area.
- Must be laid quickly: turf should be laid as soon as possible after delivery, ideally the same day, or it deteriorates.
- Needs heavy watering until rooted, especially in warm, dry weather.
- Less choice of grass mixes than seed.
Seed: the pros and cons
Advantages of seed
- Lower material cost, particularly for large areas.
- Wide choice of mixes: hard-wearing family lawns, fine ornamental lawns, shade-tolerant and drought-tolerant mixes.
- Grows in place, so roots develop in your own soil from the start.
Disadvantages of seed
- Takes longer: it can be several weeks before the lawn looks established and a few months before it's ready for regular use.
- Weather-dependent: seed needs warmth and moisture to germinate.
- Weeds and birds: weed seedlings compete with grass, and birds can eat seed.
- Must be kept off while it establishes, which can be hard with children and pets.
When to turf or seed in Surrey
Seed is best sown in early autumn, from late August to September, when the soil is still warm and rain is more reliable. Mid to late spring is the second-best window. Sowing in midsummer means a lot of watering, and late autumn or winter sowing is slow to germinate.
Turf is most reliable in autumn and spring too, but it can be laid through much of the year. Summer laying is possible with plenty of watering. Avoid laying it on frozen or waterlogged ground.
Which is better for your soil?
- Chalk, found on the North Downs side of Guildford: thin, free-draining and quick to dry. Improve the topsoil depth first. Drought-tolerant seed mixes work well, and turf needs generous watering until it roots.
- Sandy soils, around Woking and parts of Godalming: very free-draining and low in nutrients. Add organic matter, and expect to water new lawns more often.
- Clay, around Cranleigh and in lower-lying areas: holds water and compacts easily. Good drainage and soil preparation are essential. Don't work the ground when it's wet.
Our guide to Guildford chalk vs Woking sandy soil covers these soil types in more detail.
What affects the cost of a new lawn?
Rather than quote standard prices, it's more useful to know what drives the cost:
- The size of the area
- How much clearance is needed, such as removing old turf, weeds or rubble
- How much topsoil needs bringing in
- Levelling work and whether machinery is needed
- Drainage improvements
- The quality of turf or seed mix chosen
- Access for deliveries and waste removal
For seed and turf alike, ground preparation is usually a large share of the job.
Aftercare
New lawns need regular watering until established, little or no foot traffic for the first few weeks, and a careful first cut with the mower set high. Once it's growing well, a regular routine of mowing, feeding and aeration keeps it healthy. Our garden maintenance team can take care of this for you.
Evergreen Gardeners work across Guildford, Godalming, Woking and Cranleigh, plus the villages in between.
Frequently asked questions
Is turf or seed better for a new-build garden?
Either can work, but new-build gardens often have compacted ground and buried rubble. Proper preparation comes first. Turf gives a quicker result if you want to use the garden soon.
How soon can I walk on new turf?
Keep off it as much as possible for the first two to three weeks while it roots. Light use is usually fine after that, depending on the weather.
What is the best time to sow grass seed in Surrey?
Early autumn is usually best, as the soil is warm and moist. Mid to late spring is the next best time.
Do you prepare the ground and lay the lawn?
Yes. We clear, level and prepare the ground, then lay turf or sow seed, and can advise on aftercare.
For a free, no-obligation quote, call Evergreen Gardeners on 07383 778366 or send us a message. We'll visit, talk through what you need and give you a clear written price.
