Farm Tour

Where Our Turf Is Grown

Our Turf Fields

We grow all of our turf from seed on carefully selected fields across West Lancashire. In total, around 600 acres are dedicated exclusively to turf farming.

This area is particularly well-suited to growing turf. The land is flat and coastal, with a naturally fertile black sandy loam soil that provides excellent drainage while retaining nutrients. Combined with the region’s reliable rainfall, these conditions create strong root growth and dense, healthy grass. We have developed a range of turf products, such as our Rye Gold Turf, that are suited to cultivation in these conditions, but will establish themselves in most garden locations.

Lancashire’s climate and soil structure allow turf to establish evenly, which is essential for producing rolls that lift cleanly, transport well and lay successfully.

How Turf Is Grown on Our Farm

Growing turf is a long-term process that requires careful planning and consistency. Each field follows a structured growing cycle to ensure quality remains high year-round.

• Fields are prepared and seeded at the correct time of year to encourage even germination
• Grass is regularly mown to promote thickness and root strength
• Fertiliser is applied carefully to maintain colour and resilience
• Grass clippings are vacuumed away after mowing to keep the turf clean and healthy.

This growing phase typically lasts 14–18 months. By the time the turf is ready for harvest, it has formed a dense surface layer with a strong root system, making it durable and easy to lay.

Once a field is fully harvested, another field has already reached maturity, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh turf throughout the year.

Turf Harvesting: Lifted Fresh to Order

Our turf is harvested daily by trained operators, Jack and Paul. Turf is only lifted for confirmed orders due to be delivered the following day, ensuring it reaches customers as fresh as possible.

In 2015, we introduced a Trebro Autostack Turf Harvester, a specialist machine imported from the USA. As it moves across the field, the harvester:

• Cuts turf to a consistent depth
• Rolls each section neatly
• Automatically stacks rolls onto pallets

These pallets are then collected by tractor and transported directly to our yard.

From Field to Delivery: The Turf Yard

Once harvested, turf is returned to our yard in Aughton, where orders are carefully prepared. Pallets are stacked, shrink-wrapped for protection and labelled ready for dispatch.

Our haulage partners collect orders for nationwide delivery, with pallets scanned at multiple stages along the journey so we can monitor progress and delivery timing.

We also welcome landscapers and members of the public who prefer to collect turf directly from the yard. A typical car can carry no more than 10 rolls of turf due to weight which is why delivery is such a popular option.

Support, Advice and Ordering: The Office

Our office team is based on the farm and works closely with the yard and delivery teams to keep orders moving smoothly. They’re available by phone and online to help with product selection, order queries and delivery questions.

Our marketing team also produces practical guides and how-to videos to help customers prepare their ground, lay turf correctly and care for their new lawn.

A Family Farm with Deep Roots

The farm has been part of the local agricultural community since 1933. In 1987, brothers Andrew and Ian Mercer diversified into turf farming - a move that laid the foundations for Online Turf today.

Despite continued growth, the business remains family-run. Ian is still hands-on across the farm today, along with the other members of the family, maintaining the values and attention to detail that have shaped the business from the beginning. You can read more about the history of the business on our history page.