A new lawn – seeding or turf, and how to get it right

What the job involves

Laying a new lawn involves more than sowing seed or rolling out turf. The ground has to be prepared: the old lawn and weeds are removed, the soil is loosened and levelled, and new topsoil or lawn soil is added where needed. Then grass seed is sown or turf is laid, and it is watered thoroughly during the first few weeks.

A gardening company can also help renovate an existing lawn through scarifying, aeration, top dressing and overseeding.

Seeding or turf?

• Seeding: lower material cost but takes longer to establish. The lawn is sensitive to wear and weeds at first.
• Turf: gives a green surface immediately and can be used after a few weeks. Higher material cost and requires careful watering straight after laying.

Spring and late summer are often good times for both seeding and turf, as it is suitably warm and moist. Avoid periods of drought and heat unless you can water regularly.

What affects the price?

Ask for a quote after a site visit. These factors affect the cost:

• The size and shape of the area.
• How much groundwork is needed: removing the old lawn, stones and roots.
• The amount of new soil that needs to be brought in.
• Choice of seeding or turf and type of grass mix.
• Access for machinery and removal of spoil.
• Whether an irrigation system is to be installed.

Preparation and aftercare

• Think about fall and drainage so water does not stand on the lawn or run towards the house.
• Find out where there are cables and pipes in the ground before anyone digs.
• Plan the watering – the first few weeks are crucial.
• Wait before using the lawn until the roots have taken hold.
• Do not cut too short the first few times.

RUT deduction

Maintaining an existing lawn, such as mowing, qualifies for the RUT deduction of 50 % of the labour cost. Laying a new lawn, however, does not normally count as RUT or ROT. Materials such as soil, seed and turf never qualify. ROT and RUT combined may not exceed SEK 75,000 per person per year. Check with Skatteverket if you are unsure how your job will be assessed.

What the quote should include

• The size of the area and which groundwork is included.
• Amount and type of soil, and whether seeding or turf is included.
• Removal of the old lawn and spoil.
• Aftercare advice and who is responsible for watering after laying.
• What applies if the grass does not take.

Questions to ask and common mistakes

• How do you prepare the ground and how deep a layer of soil do you lay?
• Which grass mix do you recommend for my plot – sun, shade or heavy wear?
• How should I water and look after the lawn in the first few weeks?
• Do you have liability insurance?

Common mistakes include skimping on the groundwork, laying turf on uneven ground, watering too little after laying and using or mowing the lawn too early.

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong grass mix for the location. A lawn in shade under trees needs different varieties from a sunny area where children play football. Also bear in mind that turf should be laid as soon as possible after delivery, as it quickly dries out or is damaged if left rolled up too long. Ask the company whether they coordinate the delivery with the laying and what happens if the delivery is delayed.

Getting quotes through Fixtorget

Describe the area, the ground conditions and whether you want seeding or turf when you post your request for free. Up to four vetted companies can contact you. You approve the price through a cost specification in the portal, and if something unexpected comes up it is handled with a supplementary specification.

Frequently asked questions