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.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.