Turfing and groundworks in Birmingham & the West Midlands

A lawn is only as good as the ground under it. Turf rolled onto compacted, uneven clay goes patchy and yellow within a summer; artificial grass laid on soil ripples and sinks. Most of the work in a new lawn, real or artificial, is in the preparation, and that is also what "groundworks" means on a landscaping quote.

Tell us the area, whether you want turf or artificial grass, and what is there now. You get an indicative price range straight away, and we pass your enquiry to one local specialist, who confirms a fixed price.

What it costs

The minimum for smaller jobs is £350. Removing old paving or concrete before turfing is priced as digging out, at £15–£35 per m². Turf and artificial grass often go in alongside a new patio; the patio cost guide shows combined examples.

Turf or artificial grass

Turf is cheaper to lay, cooler underfoot in summer, drains naturally and supports wildlife. It needs mowing, feeding and watering in dry spells, and takes a few weeks to root before heavy use. It struggles in deep shade.

Artificial grass costs around four times as much per m² to lay but needs no mowing, stays green year-round and copes with shade and heavy play. It gets hot in direct sun, needs occasional brushing and rinsing, and lasts roughly 10–15 years before replacement. It is not a permeable surface in the way soil is unless laid on a free-draining base with a perforated backing.

Rough rule: if the lawn is small, shaded or heavily used by dogs and children, artificial may be worth it. If it is large and sunny, turf usually wins on cost.

What ground preparation involves

For turf:

1. Removing the old lawn, weeds and debris.
2. Cultivating the soil, breaking up compacted ground, and removing stones and old roots.
3. Improving heavy clay with topsoil or a sandy mix where needed.
4. Levelling and firming by raking and treading or rolling, with a slight fall for drainage.
5. Laying turf in staggered rows, cut to edges and watered in.

For artificial grass:

1. Digging out 75–100mm of soil.
2. Edging with timber, steel or block to fix the perimeter.
3. Sub-base of crushed stone compacted, then a fine layer of grit or sharp sand levelled.
4. Membrane to stop weeds.
5. Laying the grass, joining seams with tape and adhesive, fixing edges, and brushing in kiln-dried sand where the product needs it.

What "groundworks" means on a quote

"Groundworks" is a broad trade term for everything done to the ground before the visible surface goes down. On a domestic quote it usually covers:

• Excavation: digging out soil, turf or old surfaces to the right depth.
• Waste removal: taking the spoil away, which is a large share of the cost.
• Levelling and grading: setting the finished levels and falls.
• Sub-base: crushed stone laid and compacted.
• Edgings and foundations: kerbs, edge restraints and concrete footings for steps or low walls.
• Drainage: channel drains, pipe runs and soakaways.

If one quote is much cheaper than another, compare the groundworks lines first. Thin sub-base and missing edgings are the most common reasons surfaces fail; see why cheap driveways fail. Where the ground needs a proper drainage fix, see drainage and soakaways.

What affects the price

• Area and the choice of turf or artificial grass.
• What is there now. Paving or concrete has to be broken out first.
• Soil. Heavy clay may need extra topsoil or a deeper base.
• Levels. A sloping garden needs more soil moved; more than one level change, or a retaining wall, is a survey.
• Access. Carrying soil and stone through the house adds about 15%.

Local specialists cover Sutton Coldfield, North Birmingham, Solihull, South Birmingham, Edgbaston and Harborne, Lichfield and Tamworth, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge and Coventry.