Turfing

Turfing is a term with multiple meanings. In landscaping, turfing refers to the process of laying turf, or sod, on prepared ground to establish a lawn or ground cover. The work typically begins with site assessment and soil preparation, including weed removal, tilling, grading, and adding topsoil. Sod is laid in staggered joints and pressed to ensure good soil contact, with irrigation started promptly after installation. Maintenance usually involves regular watering, mowing, fertilizing, and weed control. Turfing offers quick lawn establishment, erosion control, and soil stabilization, and it can use a variety of grass species depending on climate and use.

In dance, turfing is a California street-dance style that originated in Oakland in the late 2000s. It blends elements of hip hop with mime, animation, and floor work to tell stories through movement. Dancers often perform in groups, participate in battles or cyphers, and share routines through online videos and social media. The name is commonly linked to the idea of defending one’s dance “turf,” though the exact origin of the term is not definitively documented. Turfing is characterized by fluid transitions, expressive storytelling, and a range of tempos, from slow to fast, with emphasis on performance and improvisation.