Optimal Time for Lawn Installation: A Year-Round Option, But Experts Recommend Certain Periods for Maximum Success
Laying turf is a popular way to create a lush, green lawn, but it's essential to do it at the right time for the best results. Here's a guide based on advice from industry experts to help you achieve a beautiful lawn.
The Experts' Advice
According to Graham Smith MCIHort from LBS Horticulture, the ideal time to lay turf is during spring or autumn. Specifically, March or April (spring) and September or October (autumn) are considered the best months. Peter Chaloner, Managing Director of Cobra, agrees, adding that mild days with overcast weather help the grass settle in better during summer.
For warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustine grass, the best time to lay turf is late spring to early summer (May and June), when soil temperatures are consistently warm (above 75°F or ~24°C), enabling seed or sod to germinate and root properly. On the other hand, cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in cooler temperatures and mild weather for root development. As a result, the best months for establishing turf or laying seed are August and September.
Early to mid-fall (September and October) is considered the prime time to lay turf because cooler weather promotes root establishment and growth without the stress of summer heat. Turf laid during this period has a better chance of developing a strong root system before winter.
Tips for Laying Turf
- The turf is harvested to order to ensure it's as fresh as possible when it arrives. It's advisable to lay turf as soon as it arrives to prevent any delays in root growth.
- Avoid laying turf during periods of drought or high temperatures, as the lawn will need a lot of additional watering.
- Laying turf in heavy rain or snow, and on waterlogged soil, should be avoided.
- A pre-lawn and seed starter fertiliser can help the turf settle in more successfully.
- Jane Fairlie, technical development manager at Doff Portland, suggests using horticultural fleece to protect turf from severe frosts, but it should be removed once the frost risk passes to avoid condensation buildup and potential diseases.
- Jane Fairlie also advises laying planks of wood on the ground while laying turf to prevent soil compaction and keep the turf nice and level.
- Walking on the turf during the winter should be avoided, and a flat wooden board can be used if necessary.
- David Hedges-Gower, the chairman of the Lawn Association, states that while summer is not the best time to lay turf, it can still be done, requiring additional watering.
- Jane Fairlie suggests checking the soil condition before laying turf in February, ensuring it's well-drained, not waterlogged or frozen, and applying a general-purpose fertilizer 4-7 days before laying the turf.
The Turf
The turf that is harvested is a blend of fescue and ryegrass, giving it a mixed leaf appearance. It comes in 1m2 rolls in multi-packs depending on the quantity needed.
In winter, turf takes longer to root because it's in a dormant state, and you should expect several weeks for the roots to establish properly. Laying turf in February can be done, but weather conditions should be carefully monitored, and it's best to wait until things warm up if heavy rain, snow, or freezing conditions are forecast.
Conclusion
By following the expert advice and tips outlined in this guide, you can lay your turf at the optimal time for the best results. With a little care and attention, you'll soon have a beautiful, green lawn to enjoy.
- Building a beautiful lawn requires the right tools and understanding of homeowners' lifestyles, home-and-garden habits, gardening techniques, and ideal seasons for turf extension.
- The optimal time to lay warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, and St. Augustine grass is late spring to early summer, while cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass thrive in August and September.
- To achieve a strong root system and ensure the best results, laying turf in early to mid-fall, especially during September and October, is ideal.
- When preparing to lay turf, homeowners should consider using horticultural fleece to protect the turf from severe frosts, prevent soil compaction with planks of wood, and avoid walking on the turf during winter.
