How Many Litres in a Tonne of Soil? Understanding Soil Volume and Weight

Why Soil Needs to Be Level Before Turfing

Levelling soil before laying turf is one of the most important steps in creating a healthy, long-lasting lawn. Uneven ground not only looks poor but also creates problems with mowing, drainage, and root establishment. High spots may dry out too quickly, while low spots can become waterlogged or uneven underfoot.

Taking the time to prepare and level the soil properly gives your turf the best chance to root evenly and grow into a smooth, resilient surface that’s easy to maintain.

Clearing and Preparing the Area

Start by clearing the entire area of any old grass, weeds, rocks, or debris. If you're replacing an existing lawn, use a turf cutter or spade to remove the old turf. Dig down to a depth of at least 100 to 150mm to allow for the addition of fresh topsoil and to relieve compaction in the subsoil.

Once cleared, break up the soil with a fork or rotavator to create a loose, workable surface. This improves aeration and drainage and makes it easier to level. Remove any large stones, roots, or clumps as you go.

Adding and Raking Topsoil

After breaking up the existing soil, apply a layer of fresh topsoil across the area to a depth of around 100mm. Use a screened, sandy loam topsoil that is free-draining and nutrient-rich, ideal for turf establishment.

Spread the soil roughly using a shovel and rake it into place. Work methodically, aiming to get the general shape and level across the whole area first. Start at one end and move backwards to avoid compacting the soil you’ve already worked on.

Achieving a Flat, Even Surface

Use a wide landscaping rake to fine-tune the level, breaking up high spots and redistributing soil into low patches. A straight timber board or length of timber can be dragged across the surface like a screed to help highlight uneven areas.

The goal is not just to flatten the soil but to create a smooth, consistent gradient, ideally with a gentle slope away from buildings to help water drain naturally. If you’re laying turf next to paths or patios, make sure the soil level finishes slightly below the hard surface so that the new turf sits flush once laid.

Firming the Soil Before Turfing

Once the soil is level, it must be lightly compacted to remove air pockets and prevent future sinking. Walk over the entire area using a flat-heeled shuffle, or use a lawn roller to gently firm the soil. Don’t over-compact it — the goal is to make it firm enough to support turf without being hard or crusted over.

After compacting, rake the surface again lightly to restore a fine tilth ready for turfing. Check the level one more time and make any small adjustments as needed.

When to Lay Turf After Levelling

Ideally, turf should be laid as soon as possible after levelling the soil — within 24 to 48 hours — to prevent the surface from drying out or becoming uneven from rain or foot traffic. If you can’t lay it immediately, cover the soil with a light tarpaulin or hessian to keep it moist and protected.

When you're ready to turf, water the soil lightly first, especially in warm or dry conditions, to give the new turf a moist bed to settle into.

Take Time to Assess Drainage Before You Level

Before you even lift a rake, look at how water naturally drains across the area. Are there spots where puddles form after rain? Are you working on a slope that funnels water toward the house or a low-lying area? It’s easier and cheaper to correct drainage problems before turf is laid than to fix a soggy, uneven lawn later.

If needed, shape in a gentle slope (usually 1:100 or a 1cm drop per metre) away from buildings, sheds, or patios. If the site has persistent water issues, consider installing perforated drainage pipes or adding a free-draining sub-base beneath the topsoil.

Let the Soil Settle Before Final Levelling

If you’ve added a substantial amount of new topsoil or done extensive digging, it’s a good idea to let the soil settle for a few days before final levelling. Rain or light watering can help speed this up. This settling period allows air pockets to escape and shows any dips or soft spots that might not be obvious during raking. After it settles, you can re-rake and lightly top up any uneven areas.

Skipping this step often leads to a bumpy lawn where the soil sinks after turf is laid and walked on.

Use a String Line or Laser Level for Accuracy

For larger lawns or areas that need to tie in with patios, paving, or steps, a string line or laser level can help you get a consistent finish. A taut line stretched across the area gives you a visual guide for height, slope, and flatness. This is especially useful if you're matching the level of new turf to existing features or structures.

You can also peg out a simple grid and check levels with a long spirit level and straightedge — a helpful technique for DIYers working without professional equipment.

Don’t Skip the Final Pass with a Fine Rake

Just before turfing, always go over the surface with a light rake, smoothing out footprints, drag marks, or tool imprints. This top 1–2cm of fine tilth makes it easier for turf roots to bind with the soil below and improves contact across the entire surface. Turf laid on rough, lumpy, or dry soil takes longer to establish and may develop uneven growth patterns.

Aim for a crumbly texture — not dusty dry, but not sticky or clumpy either.

Timing and Weather Matter

The best conditions for levelling soil and laying turf are cool, mild days with some moisture in the air — typically spring or early autumn in the UK. Avoid levelling soil when it’s very dry and dusty or after heavy rain, when it becomes sticky and difficult to shape.

If a heatwave or storm is forecast, it’s better to wait. Dry, crusted soil repels water and slows turf establishment, while working wet clay-based soil can lead to compaction and poor structure.

Final Word

Levelling soil properly before laying turf is the foundation of a successful lawn. With clear preparation, fresh topsoil, careful raking, and light compaction, you create the ideal conditions for healthy root development and a smooth, professional-looking finish. Taking the extra time to get this stage right will reward you with a lawn that not only looks good from day one but continues to perform well for years to come.