I've been preparing a new area of lawn for a regular customer, clearing shrubs, roots, brambles and levelling. The area is around 240M square. Once the area is prepped, how long would it take (on average) to lay this amount of turf? I ask because, as a one man operator, I have only turfed much smaller areas working alone before. It is obviously going to be strenuous but also, with one delivery, I would have to ensure the grass is good and fresh as it isn't all going down in one day. I'm much tempted to push an easier answer on to the customer and suggest I seed it. This would be much less labour intensive although, in fairness, the customer isn't particularly price sensitive and may well prefer the instant lawn effect that turf will provide. The only drawback to me is that I would have to be a bit more precious about picking out the pebbles, which I wouldn't need to with turf. Thanks for any advice on how long to allow.
Views: 407
Replies
I would think it would be two days at the most after prep.
It would in my mind make sense to use a labourer for the day to do the fetching and carrying while you do the laying and just bulid this labour into the price. Its much easier with 2 people for an area like that. If an instant lawn is not required seeding is much easier and cheaper for the customer but also less money for yourself.
also if you turf it will need dailey wartering till it is established, i have found in the past they get fedup after a coupple of days or do not water it enough
Thanks for the replies guys. I was thinking 2 days myself. 2 very hard days! I would be happier seeding as I'm not short of work and could fill the saved time in easily. The labourer idea sounds good although I don't have anyone to hand at present. I'm thinking the customer favours the instant lawn although I think I'm going to push seeding. The area has a large oak at the far end and I think there would be a benefit using some shade resistant seed.
Second day you’ll hardly be able to move! Have you got anybody that could give you a hand for a day, student, labourer etc? ( ask on Facebook ). If you could get them to fetch the rolls for you you should be able to lay in a day.
Sean. Thanks for reply. Yes I find turfing is like wrestling a bear all day!, Seems to use all your muscles, hence I think I'd prefer to seed it. I like doing smaller areas though, the finish is very satisfying. I just don't have anyone around to labour right now. There was a lot to be said for the days when my kids were young, living at home and keen to earn!
Cheers John. I'm snowed off today and have prepared prices for both seeding and turfing. With labour, timed AM delivery etc. the turf is massively more expensive. Although this customer has never previously been price sensitive, I think the professional thing to do is to recommend seeding. There will be enough seed in the bag should I need to go over it again. I'm at the property weekly anyway so all in all, seeding it makes sense.