As the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool down, many of us begin to wonder: is it time to lay turf yet? In this blog post, we’ll compare autumn and spring as the best time to lay turf, so that you can make the decision that’s right for you. Keep reading to learn more!
What to consider when deciding the time of year to lay turf
“Turfing is an excellent, efficient and aesthetic way to transform your untidy or worn-out lawn”, says Waynes Landscaping. A well-manicured and healthy lawn can increase curb appeal and make any outdoor space more inviting. If you are thinking about laying turf, there are a few things you need to consider before getting started. Namely, what time of year is best to lay turf?
The Weather
One of the most important factors to consider when deciding when to lay turf is the weather. You want to make sure that the weather is favourable for the turf to take root. In general, spring and autumn are the best times of year for laying turf, as the weather is not too hot or too cold. Of course, every location is different, so it’s important to check what the average temperature is for spring and autumn where you live before making a decision.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
In addition to considering the overall climate in your region, it is also important to keep an eye on the forecast leading up to your planned turf installation date. You will want to ensure that there is no rain in the forecast as too much moisture can prevent newly laid turf from taking root. Heavy rains can also wash away topsoil, which is essential for healthy grass growth.
Choose Your Supplier Carefully
Not all turf suppliers are created equal. When deciding when to lay turf, it is important to choose a supplier who ONLY sources their grass from certified growers. This will help ensure that your new turf is free of weeds and pests and that it is of the highest quality.
Your Schedule
Another thing to consider when deciding when to lay turf is your schedule. Laying turf is a big job, and it’s important to make sure that you have enough time to do it properly. If you’re laid back and have plenty of time on your hands, then laying turf in summer might be a good option for you. However, if you’re short on time, then spring or autumn might be better choices as they generally have more moderate weather conditions.
The benefits of autumn installation
A lot of people ask whether it’s better to lay turf in the spring or autumn. Here are the many benefits of laying turf in autumn:
First of all, the weather in autumn is usually much more settled than it is in spring. There are fewer rainy days, which means the ground isn’t as waterlogged. This is important because waterlogged ground is one of the main reasons why newly laid turf fails to establish itself.
Secondly, the cooler temperatures in autumn are ideal for grass growth. The grass will grow more slowly than it would in spring, but this actually gives it a chance to develop a deep and extensive root system, which is essential for a healthy lawn.
Finally, while spring may be the traditional time to lay turf, autumn installation has a number of significant advantages.
The benefits of spring installation
Spring is also a good time to lay turf. The warmer weather means that the grass will start growing faster, giving you a head start on your lawn. However, there can be more weeds in spring, which can compete with your new lawn for space and resources.
Ultimately, the best time to lay turf depends on your own circumstances and priorities. If you want to be sure of ideal conditions, autumn may be the best choice. However, if you’re keen to get a head start on your lawn care, spring may be the better option.
How to prepare your lawn for new turf
Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepping your yard for new turf installation. Here are four steps you need to take to get your lawn ready for new turf:
Test your soil
The first step is to test your soil. You need to know what kind of soil you have so that you can choose the right type of turf for your lawn. There are two types of soil tests you can do: a chemical test and a physical test.
If you want to do a chemical test, you can buy a testing kit from your local gardening store or online. These kits will usually come with everything you need, including instructions on how to take the sample and how to interpret the results.
If you want to do a physical test, simply dig up a small section of turf from your lawn. Once you’ve removed the sod, take a look at the soil underneath. Is it sandy, clay-like, or somewhere in between? This will give you an idea of what type of turf will work best for your lawn.
Remove existing vegetation
Once you’ve tested your soil, it’s time to remove any existing vegetation from your lawn. This includes grass, weeds, and rocks. If there are any large rocks, you can either remove them or cover them with landscape fabric so that they don’t impede the growth of your new turf.
Level the ground
After removing all the vegetation and rocks from your lawn, it’s time to level the ground. This step is important because it ensures that your new turf will have an even surface to grow on. You can use a garden rake or a shovel to level out the ground.
Decide what type of turf that will work best for your lawn
If you’re like most people, you probably just assume that there’s turf and then there’s grass. But the truth is, there are a variety of options available when it comes to turf, and each has its own set of benefits.
Natural Turf: Natural turf is exactly what it sounds like—grass that has been grown in nature. This type of turf is most commonly used in sports fields and parks because it provides a consistent playing surface.
Artificial Turf: Artificial turf is made from synthetic grass fibers that are designed to look and feel like real grass. This type of turf is most commonly used in residential settings because it’s easy to care for and it doesn’t require a lot of water.
Cost considerations
When it comes to laying turf, there are a few cost considerations to keep in mind. The first is the cost of the turf itself. This can vary depending on the type of grass you choose and the size of your lawn.
The second cost consideration is the cost of labor. If you plan to lay the turf yourself, you’ll need to factor in the cost of renting or purchasing equipment. However, if you hire a professional to do the job, you’ll need to pay for their time and expertise.
Finally, you’ll also need to consider the cost of maintenance. Once your turf is in place, you’ll need to water it regularly, mow it, and fertilize it. These costs can add up over time, so it’s important to factor them into your budget before you begin your project.
The Verdict Is it better to lay turf in autumn or spring? The answer, as with most things in life, is that it depends. If you have the time and patience to water your newly laid turf every day until established, then spring may be the best time for you. However, if you want a low-maintenance garden that will be less work in the long run, then autumn is the season for you.
