Working in a role related to horticulture, gardening or landscaping, you will need regular access to high quality turf for laying lawns. Whether the lawns are domestic or commercial, your needs will be the same: turf that looks as good as the day it was laid, several months down the line.
If you are new to business, or you want to switch things up with your supplier because you don’t feel you’re getting the best value for money, there are a number of ways you can source new turf suppliers. Here are some of the most common options:
- Ask for recommendations. Speak to others in horticultural settings to find out who they work with.
- Look for suppliers online. You can find many commercial and domestic suppliers in this way.
- Network. Attend events, ask around and generally liaise with other gardeners to make new contacts. You never know who you might meet in this way.
If you’ve found a supplier and you are considering working with them, there are various qualities you might want to look out for. These are some of the key considerations for you to take into account, and some of the main things you will need to know about the turf supplier you are considering:
- How long have they been in business? This shows how much experience they have, or how much they know about their industry. It’s important you know this about them before making a decision. You don’t just want a company that just knows turf (though of course that’s important), you need to know their business is stable. Otherwise you could be looking for a new turf supplier again in a few months.
- What nursery do they use? Find out if it’s one known for producing top quality turf. Is it based in the UK? If not, is the supply chain reliable? Do your research into different nurseries and the various options.
- What types of turf do they supply? Could they supply turf for you if you are working on different kinds of jobs? Some turf, for example, is better suited to shady environments. Some is more commonly used on golf courses or in gardens where a greater degree of toughness is needed, due to a higher footfall. This is most commonly the case in commercial gardens and public spaces.
- Do they only supply to the trade or do they work with end users as well? This will sometimes have an effect on the prices, unless the supplier also offers a discount to the trade.
These are some of the key questions to ask and they can give you a good starting point. At the end of the day, though, you will know what’s right for your business and what you need to get from your turf suppliers. Many businesses work with more than one supplier, depending on their needs.
