Turf Installation London | Complete Real Grass Replacement Guide by Palm & Olive

In a city where outdoor space is a luxury, a perfectly laid lawn can transform even the smallest London garden. Real turf brings softness, texture, and life back to urban landscapes, offering a cooling contrast to paving, decking, and brick.

At Palm & Olive, we specialise in professional turf installation across London, helping homeowners and designers create green, natural spaces using premium, UK-grown grass. Whether you’re replacing artificial turf, starting a new build garden, or reviving a worn lawn, this complete guide explains everything you need to know about achieving a long-lasting, vibrant lawn in London’s climate.

Why London Homeowners Are Choosing Real Grass Again

Over the past decade, many London gardens have shifted toward low-maintenance artificial lawns. Yet more and more homeowners are now returning to real turf for its environmental and aesthetic benefits.

A natural lawn:

• Cleans the air by absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen.

• Cools the environment naturally, reducing urban heat.

• Restores biodiversity, allowing worms, insects, and bees to thrive.

• Feels softer and safer underfoot for children and pets.

• Adds real value to your property with an authentic garden look.

Artificial turf may seem convenient, but it traps heat, blocks drainage, and eventually degrades. Real turf, on the other hand, evolves with your garden and lasts for years with minimal care.

At Palm & Olive, we’ve helped hundreds of London clients switch back to real grass—combining sustainability, practicality, and timeless garden appeal.

Understanding the London Climate for Turf Installation

London’s temperate climate makes turf installation possible year-round, but it also presents a few unique challenges:

• Shade: Many gardens are partially shaded by buildings or fences. Choosing a shade-tolerant turf mix is essential.

• Drainage: Dense city soils often need aeration and topsoil improvement before laying turf.

• Limited space: Precision cutting and seamless edge finishing matter in small London gardens.

• Foot traffic: Turf must be durable enough for everyday use without wearing down.

These are all factors Palm & Olive assess before starting any turf installation in London. Every project begins with a detailed soil and drainage inspection to guarantee healthy root establishment and long-term results.

Choosing the Right Turf for London Gardens

Selecting the correct turf type is one of the most important steps in achieving a healthy, lasting lawn. The best turf depends on your soil type, garden size, and intended use.

1. Family Lawn Turf – Strong, low-maintenance, and ideal for homes with children or pets.

2. Luxury Fine Turf – Dense, smooth, and rich in colour; perfect for ornamental gardens.

3. Shade-Tolerant Turf – Specially blended for areas with limited sunlight.

4. Hard-Wearing Sports Turf – Highly durable for gardens with heavy use or entertaining spaces.

Every roll of turf installed by Palm & Olive is UK-grown, freshly cut, and delivered directly from trusted British farms. We never use imported or pre-stored turf, ensuring strong roots and vibrant growth.

How Palm & Olive Installs Turf in London

Our process combines horticultural knowledge, precision, and efficiency. Here’s how we install turf for London gardens:

1. Preparation and RemovalWe begin by removing existing grass, weeds, or artificial turf. This ensures a clean, fertile base for new growth.

2. Soil ImprovementWe aerate the ground, add topsoil, and enrich it with organic compost to enhance drainage and nutrients.

3. Levelling and FirmingThe surface is carefully levelled and compacted to prevent uneven patches.

4. Turf LayingFresh turf rolls are laid tightly in a staggered, brick-like pattern for seamless joins.

5. Rolling and WateringThe turf is lightly rolled to bond with the soil beneath, then thoroughly watered to encourage root contact.

6. Aftercare GuidanceEach customer receives detailed instructions for watering, mowing, and ongoing maintenance.

Thanks to efficient planning and local expertise, most London lawns are fully installed in a single day.

Turf Installation Costs in London

Prices for turf installation in London depend on access, soil condition, and the type of turf chosen. Below is an approximate guide:

Turf Type	Supply Only	Full Installation
Family Turf	£3.50 – £5.00 / m²	£12 – £16 / m²
Premium Turf	£5.00 – £7.50 / m²	£16 – £22 / m²
Luxury Turf	£8.00 – £11.00 / m²	£20 – £30 / m²

These figures include professional soil preparation, UK-grown turf, and full installation.

For a precise quote, Palm & Olive offers free on-site inspections throughout Greater London.

When to Install Turf in London

London’s mild climate allows turf to be installed throughout the year, but the ideal periods are:

• Spring (March–May): Promotes quick root establishment.

• Autumn (September–October): Cooler temperatures and regular rain create ideal conditions.

Winter installation is also possible if the ground isn’t frozen, while summer requires extra watering.Because Palm & Olive uses fresh, UK-grown turf and precise watering methods, we achieve successful installations in all seasons.

Caring for Your New London Lawn

A new lawn requires a little care during its first few weeks. Follow these essential aftercare tips from Palm & Olive:

• Water daily for the first 10–14 days, ideally early morning or evening.

• Avoid foot traffic for at least two weeks to allow roots to establish.

• First mowing once the grass reaches 5–7 cm, trimming gently to around 4 cm.

• Fertilise after six weeks to encourage deep root growth.

• Continue watering once or twice weekly during dry spells.

With proper care, your new turf will stay lush and green for years to come.

Why Choose Palm & Olive for Turf Installation in London

At Palm & Olive, we pride ourselves on combining craftsmanship with horticultural expertise. We are based in West London and work across the city and neighbouring areas including Ealing, Perivale, Richmond, Uxbridge, Harrow, Chiswick, and Surrey.

What makes us different:

• Premium UK-grown turf sourced from trusted suppliers.

• Full removal, preparation, and installation included.

• Clean, efficient work completed in one day for most gardens.

• Personalised advice from real horticultural specialists.

• Free quotes and site visits for all London customers.

We take pride in creating lawns that remain healthy, beautiful, and easy to maintain year after year.

For more details or to request a free quotation, visit our Turf Installation in London page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long before I can walk on new turf?Two to three weeks, once the turf has rooted firmly into the soil.

Do you install turf in all areas of London?Yes, we cover all boroughs including West, South, North, and Central London.

Can turf be installed in winter?Yes, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

What turf is best for shaded London gardens?A shade-tolerant turf blend containing fescue and ryegrass performs best.

Do you remove old lawns or artificial turf?Yes, Palm & Olive provides complete removal and site preparation before installation.

Final Thoughts

Real turf is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to elevate a London garden. It softens the landscape, cools the environment, and reconnects urban homes with nature.

At Palm & Olive, we combine horticultural expertise, premium UK-grown grass, and precise installation methods to deliver outstanding lawns that last.

If you’re ready to replace your artificial grass or transform your outdoor space, contact Palm & Olive today for a free quote.Discover why homeowners across London trust us for professional, lasting turf installation that brings nature back to the city.