The best time to lay turf in the UK is autumn (September to November) or spring (March to May). The soil is still warm enough for roots to grow and there is usually enough rain to keep the new lawn moist. You can lay turf at almost any time of year, but not when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, and summer turf needs a lot of watering.
Turf laying through the year
| Season | How suitable | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | Best | Warm soil and regular rain help roots establish before winter, with little watering. |
| Spring | Very good | Growth is picking up. Water in dry spells. |
| Summer | Possible | Turf dries out fast. Water daily, ideally early morning or evening. |
| Winter | Only in mild spells | Never lay on frozen or waterlogged ground. Roots grow slowly. |
Prepare the ground first
Good preparation matters more than the season. Turf laid on poor ground settles unevenly and struggles to root.
- Remove the old grass, weeds and stones.
- Dig or rotavate the soil to about 15 cm, breaking up compacted areas.
- Firm the soil by treading it evenly, then rake it level. Fill any dips.
- Rake in a pre-turf fertiliser if your soil is poor.
- Check drainage. If water sits on the surface after rain, fix that before laying.
How to lay turf
- Lay it quickly. Turf deteriorates when rolled up, so lay it on the day it arrives if you can.
- Start along a straight edge, such as a path or patio.
- Stagger the joins like brickwork, butting each roll tightly against the last.
- Work from planks laid on the new turf so you don't leave footprints in the soil.
- Firm it down with the back of a rake or a light roller so the roots touch the soil.
- Water thoroughly straight away, enough to soak through to the soil.
Looking after new turf
For the first few weeks, keep the turf moist. Lift a corner now and then: if the soil underneath is dry, water more. Keep off the lawn as much as possible until the roots have knitted into the soil, which usually takes two to three weeks in the growing season. When you tug gently and the turf doesn't lift, it has rooted.
Make the first cut once the grass is growing, with the mower blades on a high setting so you only take off the tips. Lower the height gradually over the following cuts.
Turf or grass seed?
Turf gives you a usable lawn within weeks and suits busy family gardens. Seed is cheaper but takes longer to establish and is best sown in early autumn or spring. If you want a lawn quickly, or the area gets heavy use, turf is usually the better choice.
New lawns in Sutton and South London
A new lawn is often part of a wider garden makeover. Superior Landscaping builds gardens across Sutton, Wimbledon, Kingston and Wandsworth. See our garden landscaping service or get in touch for a free consultation.
