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Last edited 27 May 2022

Seeding and turfing

Seeding and turfing are two techniques for creating a grass lawn, which is a common feature in a garden. Both techniques require a considerable amount of care and attention.

Generally, turfing is considered to be the easiest and fastest-to-complete option. It requires less work in terms of ground preparation and the turf is provided in rolls that can be cut according to the shape required. However, there will have to be a suitably level and firm surface before the turf is laid. Roots will grow into the soil within two weeks and the resulting lawn can be useable within three weeks.

Other advantages of turfing include that in heavy rain it will not wash off sloped ground as seed might, it is less prone to attack by birds, there is less watering required, and turf can be laid at any time of the year. The disadvantages are that it can be expensive for large areas and it requires fast laying once it has been delivered.

Seeding a lawn is more difficult and preparing the ground is more time-consuming. Seeding involves the removal of stones down to a maximum diameter of no larger than 1 cm, whereas turfing can leave stones of up to 3-4 cm in diameter.

It can take 3-4 months to grow into a useable lawn from seed, and this can be longer depending on the weather conditions. It also requires more aftercare during the first month than turf.

The advantages of seeding are that it is less expensive and time-consuming than turfing, and it is generally the most suitable option for small areas of ground or for repairing lawns. It is also more durable and can be easily reseeded as required.

NB Short Guide, Lime Mortars in Traditional Buildings, published on 1 March 2013 by Historic Scotland, defines seeding as: ‘The nucleation of lime crystals on the surface of particles (usually of the same composition). Seeding particles can act like a catalyst, speeding up the carbonation of lime mortars.’