The Real Cost Of Cheap Turf: How To Get Best Value When Buying Your New Lawn

We all love a bargain, but is there such a thing as too cheap?  There comes a point with any product where in order to compete on price, there have to be compromises on quality.  That’s certainly true of garden turf.  Let’s take a closer look.

How do growers and manufacturers drop their prices and still make a profit?  Well, with some products it means cutting back on the quality of the inputs – perhaps buying cheaper components, maybe reducing the levels of service.  Sometimes small changes by a producer can make a big difference to quality as well as price.

Lets take a wider look at the turf industry and see what’s involved in growing turf and why there’s a limit as to how cheap turf can be whilst still being fit for purpose.

How is turf grown?

Believe it or not, commercial turf growing is a complicated business. There is a real science to it.  In fact there is a whole scientific organisation dedicated to researching and improving turf.

Check out the Sports Turf Research Institute STRI

In the good old days, when Harrowden Turf were called Turfland and grew turf in Sussex, garden turf was basically harvested from meadows that had been grazed by sheep.  The grass species were very different to the ones we see today, the surface was probably uneven, weed control erratic and the fertiliser – well – let’s just say it was natural and fresh.

I believe there are still a few old school producers about, but not many.

Modern turf producers like Harrowden Turf Ltd and other TGA members spend a lot of time choosing (and paying for!!) high quality land to grow their turf on.  Then they use specialised equipment to prepare the soil and level it out, before sowing it with carefully selected grass seed.

High quality grass seed

Today’s turf growers use specially bred grass seed which has been blended to give it the qualities we look for in a lawn.  Beautiful colour all year round.  Hardwearing, disease resistant, sometimes shade resistant, tolerant of really close mowing, coping well with drought, able to sequester carbon.

There are a whole range of properties available in modern grasses that never existed in the old-style turf.  Some of the new seeds are expensive compared to agricultural type grasses that are designed for feeding cows.  They’re coarse and would never make a nice lawn.

Experienced workers with specialised machinery

With the seed sown, the skilful work continues.  Knowing when to mow, how often to mow and how high to set the mower blades is crucial.  As is having the right equipment – low pressure tyres etc.  Keeping weeds at bay, ensuring the grass plants have all the right nutrients, and treating disease at the very first sign are all expert jobs.  Honestly, turf growing is almost as complicated as parenting!

How can turf growers offer lower prices?

In all fairness, I’ve yet to meet a really rich turf grower.  Prices are so competitive that profit margins are nowhere near as big as for other consumer goods.

If a turf grower wants to reduce the price of his products in order to sell more of them, he needs to make cuts in the production costs.  Maybe he’ll put on less fertiliser or take less care over weed control. Perhaps the mowing regime will be changed (that can be awfully stressful for grass plants).  Most likely he’ll choose cheaper grass species that don’t perform as well in gardens.  OR he’ll harvest the turf before it’s fully mature.  The rolls will be weaker and the roots less vigorous.

Sometimes, cuts are made in customer service or in delivery costs.

Sometimes, prices can be a little lower if the turf grower is able to buy seed, feed and other “components” in bulk.  Like most industries the bigger players are better able to make savings on inputs and pass those savings on to their buyers.

How cheap is too cheap?

If you are looking to buy cheap turf at the moment, my advice to you would be to compare several prices (unless you already know for sure who your supplier will be).  Be sure to compare like for like.  When you’re searching online some retailers include VAT and delivery in the quoted price, some slap it on when you reach the checkout.

If one price is very much lower than the others – be a bit suspicious.  Check online for independent reviews and testimonials about that seller.

Not all cheap turf is poor quality and not all expensive turf is high quality.  Use your judgement but be aware of the risks.

How to find quality turf at the right price

Always buy direct from the grower and have turf delivered to site.  That way it will have come straight from the farm to you and won’t have been sitting on a shop forecourt for a day before you get it.

If your landscaper is buying turf on your behalf, you can usually trust him or her to get the best deal for you.

Check reviews and testimonials.  Ask friends and family about their turf buying experiences.

Compare the seedmixes of different turf offerings.  Try to understand what it is you’re buying

Ask your preferred turf grower if there are any savings to be had.  Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy 60 rolls than 50.  Sometimes a Wednesday delivery will cost you less than a Saturday one.

Final thoughts on cheap turf

Turf is an investment.  When you lay good quality turf you are adding value to your property and improving the usability of your garden.  You are making something to be proud of.

Just as if you were buying a sofa, a car or an education for your child, buying turf is about careful research and buying the best you can afford.  After all, it will be yours for a very long time.

Useful articles on buying turf

How to spot good quality turf and only buy the best

What does turf cost?

Is it safe to buy turf online?

Save