The Ultimate Turf Roll Guide

There is a long story behind the lawn in your back garden. It often involves a team of professionals who grow, tend to, and handle your grass turf in the best way possible to deliver premium results in your garden.

In this guide, we reveal all the secrets wrapped up in turf rolls. From why we roll turf and the benefits it brings to the health of your turf, to choosing the right turf roll for your project.

Shop Turf Rolls

Content Overview

• What are turf rolls?
• Signs of a healthy turf roll?
• View our range of turf
• Why is turf sold in rolls?
• How are turf rolls made?
• Benefits for the end user
• How long can turf rolls be left?
• Why choose GDT&S?
• Speak to the experts

What Are Turf Rolls?

Turf rolls are an industry term for precisely what they are: a roll of turf. It’s a section of mature grass professionally grown on specialist turf farms and harvested for commercial use. Each roll of turf has a thin layer of soil attached to its roots to protect them during transport and help them establish in their new home.

Read More: How is Turf Made?

Signs of a Healthy Turf Roll

To ensure you have the best quality of turf, you should check each roll of turf to ensure it includes:

• Healthy grass plants
• A vibrant green colour
• A thin layer of nutrient-rich soil
• A strong root structure
• Consistent thick sward

At George Davies Turf & Stone, we harvest our turf rolls fresh and deliver them quickly to ensure maximum quality and successful turf establishment.

Read More: Is Your Turf Stressed?

View Our Range of Turf Rolls

• Trident Turf
• Clover Turf
• Wild Flower Turf
• Species-Rich Turf
• RTF Turf
• Shade-Tolerant Turf
• Revetting Turf
• Greens Turf

Why Is Turf Sold in Rolls?

Many of our customers ask why turf comes in rolls rather than flat sheets that can be laid directly in place. It’s a great question. There’s an even better answer. Rolls of turf are easier to harvest, transport, store and install. It’s why the entire industry rolls turf.

Rolling turf also brings practical advantages such as:

Easier Transportation

A rolled piece of turf takes up significantly less space during transportation. On average, a roll of natural turf measures 24” x 64”. If you’re ordering 50 rolls, this can take up a lot of space. By stacking them, we can fit more on our lorries but also deliver them precisely where you need them. You can easily move one roll at a time.

Better Protection

Rolling turf ultimately protects the root zone and soil layer during transportation and handling. Turf growers spend a long time nurturing roots to ensure successful establishment, so we want to keep them intact. Furthermore, if fresh turf is piled high, there’s less chance of people walking over it during installation.

Faster Installation

Professional landscapers can work swiftly and efficiently with rolls of turf. As expert turf installers, they can quickly roll out turf and butt it securely into place. This offers significant time savings and improves accuracy, making it one of the most proven ways to install lawns of any size.

Reduced Waste

Turf rolls come in consistent lengths, so landscapers can accurately calculate requirements, saving money and reducing waste. At GDT&S, our experts can also advise you on the quantity of turf required for your outdoor space. Alternatively, you can use our handy online turf calculator to order the right amount of turf.

Read More: Quality Turf: What Should You Be Looking Out For?

How Are Turf Rolls Made?

The journey from field to garden takes years of careful cultivation and consideration. It’s certainly a labour of love that we pass on to our customers through high-quality turf products.

1. Sowing Seeds

Premium turf is sown and grown on dedicated turf farms using carefully selected grass seed mixtures that best suit the soil type. The grass seed mix helps determine features that create different turf properties. For example:

• Colour density
• Sward thickness
• Durability
• Disease resistance
• Drought resistance
• Resilience and recovery

2. Maintaining Turf

Overseeding turf is an important step, as it builds density and lushness that customers expect from quality turf. Throughout the growing process, regular care and maintenance, such as:

• Regular mowing to improve thickness and resilience
• Irrigation to aid hydration and drainage
• Fertilisation, if needed, to improve nutrient levels
• Monitoring for signs of weeds or disease

3. Harvesting Turf

Turf growers use specialist harvesting machinery that cuts beneath the grass surface, ensuring that a thin layer of soil is cut and lifted along with the grass and root system. The machine simultaneously rolls the turf into manageable strips, ready for delivery.

4. Fresh Delivery

Freshness is critical for natural products like turf. Turf has a very short shelf life, especially in warm temperatures. That’s why at George Davies, we guarantee a two-hour delivery window from field to site: the fresher the turf, the better the establishment and long-term results.

The Benefits of Turf Rolls for the End User

• Instant Results: Unlike grass seed, turf can be rolled out and instantly transform your lawn from day one.
• Faster Establishment: With an existing root structure attached, turf settles in significantly faster and deeper.
• Weed Suppression: Dense sward reduces opportunities for weeds to come through, creating a healthy lawn.
• Uniform Look: Premium turf rolls provide consistent colour, texture and density across your entire lawn for a professional finish.
• Year-Round Installation: When ground conditions are suitable, turf rolls can be installed year-round, whenever you need them.
• Long-Lasting Results: Using healthy turf rolls from the start helps create a strong, healthy and resilient lawn for years to come.

How Long Can Turf Rolls Be Left Before Laying?

One of the most important things to remember is that turf is a living product. The minute it is harvested, the clock is ticking. Ideally, turf rolls should be laid immediately onto prepared ground.

During warmer weather, avoid leaving your turf rolls stacked for too long. This can cause sod heating, where the centre of the roll heats up and damages the grass. For the best results when using turf rolls, we recommend:

• Preparing the ground before delivery
• Laying turf as soon as possible
• Water thoroughly after installation
• Avoid leaving turf rolls stacked overnight

Read More: How to Prepare Your Soil for Turf and How to Lay Turf – Your Ultimate Guide

Why Choose George Davies’ Turf Rolls

Turf is at the heart of our business. That’s why, for decades, George Davies Turf & Stone has been trusted by homeowners, landscapers, and developers across the UK to deliver fresh, quality turf. We are proud to be the landscaper’s choice!

When you buy turf rolls from George Davies, you’ll also receive:

• Freshly harvested turf that’s cared for
• Premium grass mixes to suit your needs
• Expert turf advice and aftercare
• Fast, direct delivery to keep projects moving
• Consistent service, quality and results
• An extensive product choice to match your project

Speak to the Experts

If you’re looking for premium turf rolls that establish quickly, look fantastic and stand the test of time, George Davies Turf & Stone can help.

Browse our range of premium turf products, or speak to the team for expert guidance in selecting the right turf rolls for your project.

FAQs

How big is a roll of turf?

On average, a roll of turf covers approximately 1 square metre. When rolled, turf typically measures 24” x 64” and can weigh 15-20 kg, depending on moisture content.

How many rolls of turf do I need?

To calculate how many turf rolls you need, simply measure the length and width of your lawn area in metres and multiply them together. This will give you the total square metre coverage. We recommend allowing 5% extra for cuts and shaping. You can also use our helpful product calculator to figure out how much turf you need.

How much does a roll of turf cost?

The cost of turf depends on the variety, quality and quantity ordered. You can view our latest prices; please browse our turf products or contact our team. You can also head to our blog: How Much Does Turf Cost?

How do I lay turf rolls?

Laying turf rolls is straightforward once the ground is properly prepared. For the best results, follow these steps:

• Prepare the ground by removing existing turf and weeds, and levelling the ground.
• Add a layer of turf topsoil for an even foundation to work upon.
• Start laying your first turf roll along a straight edge
• Roll out the next, butting the ends together tightly
• Work along one edge. When you reach the end, turn around and roll out turf in the other direction. Butt the seams and aim for a brick wall pattern.
• Trim the edges neatly using a sharp knife or edging tool
• Water thoroughly after laying and continue to water regularly.
• Avoid walking on newly laid turf rolls until they are fully established.

How long do turf rolls last before laying?

Lay turf rolls no later than 2 hours after delivery. We recommend lightly watering your turf throughout installation to keep it as fresh as possible.