One of the UK’s largest independent turf suppliers is celebrating 25 years in business, marking a significant milestone for a company that has grown alongside the evolving needs of landscapers, contractors and garden professionals.

Founded in 2001 by Buckinghamshire entrepreneur George Davies, George Davies Turf & Stone began as a small-scale venture operating from his father’s farm in Olney. In its earliest days, the farmyard itself acted as the company’s first depot, with turf delivered, stored and collected directly from the site.

The business was born out of a need to diversify. After university, George returned to work on the family farm and began researching alternative crops, but the high upfront investment made this unviable. Recognising the farm’s proximity to the rapidly expanding Milton Keynes area, he identified an opportunity in turf supply. While growing turf himself wasn’t feasible, a chance meeting with Scenic Blue Turf led him to invest his entire £15,000 savings into a franchise.

The ability to use his father’s land and infrastructure provided a practical launchpad, allowing the business to get off the ground with minimal overheads.Today, the business delivers more than 1.4 million rolls of turf and over 13,000 bags of landscaping materials annually and has established itself as a trusted supplier to both trade professionals and high-profile home projects across Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Hertfordshire.

Reflecting on the company’s anniversary, George Davies credits consistent service standards and close relationships with landscaping professionals as key drivers of growth.

George said: “From day one, the goal was simple: supply the highest-quality turf, deliver it fresh and make life easier for customers. Early on, I knew that because we weren’t growing the turf ourselves, we had to stand out through service. That focus has enabled us to grow with the industry while staying true to our roots. Those roots are very much on the farm; having that base in the early days gave me the opportunity to build something from scratch.”

Scaling operations to meet industry demand

What began as a one-man operation using a passenger car and trailer has developed into a multi-million-pound business operating from dual bases in Olney and St Albans.

In its earliest days, the business was built on hard graft. George handled every aspect himself, from unloading deliveries into the farmyard to hand-balling up to 25 tonnes of turf a day. Initial deliveries were made with every roll loaded and unloaded by hand. Customers would often collect directly from the farmyard, with a simple honesty box system in place, reflecting the informal, trust-based nature of the business at the time.

As demand increased, he invested in a 7.5-tonne Mercedes 811D lorry, significantly increasing delivery capacity, although George was still manually unloading turf on site. George’s father also supported operations as a back-up lorry driver during this period. This hands-on support helped the business transition from a farm-based sideline into a more structured delivery operation capable of serving a growing trade customer base.

The company now runs a fleet of 8 heavy goods vehicles equipped with forklift trucks, enabling efficient site deliveries and supporting the rapid turnaround required for fresh turf installation.

A key turning point came in 2003 when the business rebranded from Scenic Blue Turf to George Davies Turf. The same year saw the introduction of its first HGV, finished in a distinctive bright red, a colour that has since become synonymous with the brand, enabling deliveries of up to 720 rolls at a time.

Maintaining tight delivery windows has been central to the company’s model, with two-hour delivery slots helping landscapers manage labour, scheduling and installation quality.

In 2025, the business moved into new offices to support continued expansion and operational efficiency, helping the team handle growing demand and improve day-to-day operations.

George explains: “Timing is everything with turf. Investing in logistics, technology and facilities has allowed us to maintain reliability at scale, which is critical for professional landscapers working to tight project deadlines.”

Diversification and digital innovation

Over the past decade, George Davies Turf has expanded its offering beyond turf to become a broader landscaping materials supplier, including topsoil, composite decking, artificial grass, seed and paving products.

Landscapers are increasingly looking for suppliers who can provide multiple materials from a single delivery, helping reduce time on site and simplify project logistics.

The acquisition of Landscape Supplies Herts (formerly St Albans Stone) strengthened the company’s position as a one-stop shop for landscaping professionals, adding natural stone and aggregates to its portfolio.

Digital innovation has also played a role in improving customer experience, with the launch of a dedicated ordering app aimed at simplifying procurement and improving speed for busy contractors.

George continues: “Our industry is becoming more time-sensitive and technology-driven. We’ve focused on building systems that reduce friction for our customers so they can focus on delivering great projects.”

Supporting industry and community through CSR initiatives

Alongside commercial growth, George Davies Turf has increasingly embedded corporate social responsibility into its operations. Recent initiatives include supplying premium turf free of charge to Hertfordshire Zoo to support new animal habitats, demonstrating how specialist landscaping materials can contribute to conservation projects and animal welfare.

Closer to home, the business maintains strong links with the local community, including involvement in the historic Olney Pancake Race, reflecting the company’s commitment to the town where the business first began.

As George explains: “Landscaping is about improving environments, whether that’s a domestic garden, a commercial space or a conservation project. Supporting initiatives that align with that purpose feels like a natural extension of what we do.”

A changing industry and a forward-looking future

As the landscaping sector continues to evolve, George believes suppliers must adapt to increasing demand for efficiency, reliability and integrated product ranges.

George continues: “We’ve seen a shift towards customers wanting complete solutions rather than individual materials. Our growth has been about anticipating those needs while maintaining the personalised service that independent suppliers are known for.”

As the company celebrates its 25th anniversary, George says the focus remains firmly on future growth, innovation and strengthening partnerships with landscaping professionals.

George concludes: “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, but the industry is always moving forward. Our aim is to keep evolving alongside our customers and continue supporting the sector for many years to come.”