The best time of year to lay turf in the North East

Why autumn is so good

In autumn the soil is still warm from summer, which encourages roots, while the air is cooler and rain is more frequent. New turf roots well with less watering, and it has months to establish before the next summer. Autumn is also a good time to tidy up after a busy summer in the garden.

Spring

As the soil warms, grass starts growing strongly and turf roots quickly. Late spring can turn dry, so keep an eye on watering. It's the busiest time of year for lawns, so it's worth asking for your quote early.

Summer

Turf roots fastest in warm weather, so summer turfing works well, but the watering commitment is real. In hot spells new turf can need watering every morning and evening for the first week or two. If you're away on holiday soon after, it's better to wait.

Hosepipe bans

Water companies sometimes make allowances for newly laid turf. Check their current guidance if a ban is in place.

Winter

Turf can be laid on mild days when the ground is workable. It roots slowly but needs little watering, and it's ready to grow away in spring. Read can you lay turf in winter?.

Preparing a lawn for its first winter

If your lawn was laid in summer or early autumn, a few simple steps help it through: raise the mower height a little, rake up fallen leaves, avoid heavy wear when the ground is wet and give it an autumn feed after it has settled in. A light top dressing in autumn can smooth small dips once the lawn is established.