How Often Does Turf Need Replacing?

On average, turf should last around 10 years, sometimes a little longer. But it all comes down to its environment, how it is being used and how it is being maintained. More importantly, the success of a lawn comes down to how it was laid. As we always say, laying turf effectively all comes down to prepping the ground correctly! To find out more, head to our blog on how to lay turf.

Will Dead Turf Recover?

There are ways to bring turf back to life. These often involve turf treatments such as aerating the area to break up compacted soil so oxygen, water and nutrients can reach the roots. You can also introduce a programme of reseeding and fertilising to give it the boost it needs. Turf recovery is possible, but it can be a long process. Alternatively, you can revamp your grass by returfing it. In some instances, this is often the quickest and most cost-effective solution.

5 Signs Your Turf Needs Replacing

If you’re unsure whether your turf needs replacing, look for these key symptoms of unhealthy turf.

1. Patchy or bald spots

If your lawn has developed bald patches where grass either doesn’t grow or struggles, this is an early sign that something is wrong. If, after fertilising and reseeding, the patch still doesn’t recover, there may be issues underneath which can be resolved by removing the existing turf. Installing new turf allows you to aerate and hydrate the soil, which will encourage a healthy new lawn to grow.

2. Weed invasions

An increase of weeds taking over your lawn is a clear sign that your grass is struggling. As your turf weakens, it will struggle to compete for space and nutrients. Allowing persistent weeds to come through and steal all the space and goodness. A lawn predominately made up of weeds doesn’t offer that lush, manicured look and feel, and can be a tough job for weed killer to handle alone. The easiest and quickest way to rid your lawn of a weed infestation is by replacing your turf.

3. Unhealthy looking grass

It’s easy to tell if your grass is not in tip-top condition. We all expect our lawns to be full, green and vibrant. So, if you spot yellow or brown discolouration, despite reseeding, fertilising and watering, this is a sign of turf damage. In this instance, replacing your lawn with fresh, nutrient-rich turf will restore your lawn’s lush green appearance.

4. Pests and disease problems

Pests, fungi and lawn diseases are not only unsightly but can sometimes be bigger problems than they appear. Lawn diseases often occur post-winter as wet conditions allow diseases to thrive. And with us spending little time outside, we don’t notice them quickly enough to resolve them. But pest infestations and diseases can harm both the grass blades and grass roots, compromising the structure of the turf and impacting its recovery. In this instance, a full turf replacement is usually the best solution.

To learn more about lawn diseases, head to our blog for hints and tips.

5. Poor drainage and waterlogging

Does your lawn stay soggy for a few days after rain? This could be due to compacted soil not absorbing surface water. But the longer it pools on top of your turf, the chance of your turf suffocating increases. This can lead to lawn diseases and other issues. By laying new turf, you can ensure effective drainage for a healthier lawn.

Which Type of Turf is Right for Me?

An important factor that influences the lifespan of your turf is how it’s being used. For example, landscaping a public space will require robust and hardier turf such as RTF. Meanwhile, north-facing gardens with limited sunlight would benefit from Shade Tolerant turf.

Browse through our range of turfs to find the right type for your garden or landscaping project:

Trident Turf 

Clover Turf

RTF Turf

Wild Flower Turf

Species Rich Turf

Shade Tolerant Turf

Time for a Turf Upgrade?

If your lawn shows any of the signs above, now’s the time to act! By laying your turf down before the spring season sets in, your new lawn will have a substantial amount of time to establish a solid root system and strong grass blades

How About Switching to Stone?

We understand that turf can sometimes be too much to manage. It does require a lot of care and attention, and some lifestyles just don’t match. Not to worry. Our range of gorgeous natural stones slabs, porcelain paving and rustic cobbles, are the ideal alternative for landscaping your garden. Easy to install, they can beautifully transform your outdoor spaces and there’s no mowing required!

Speak to the Experts

Whether you’re a landscaper supporting a client or a homeowner seeking a gorgeous green lawn for the summer, you can find your fresh turf right here with George Davies Turf.

Are you a landscaper? Then you must be laying turf regularly for your clients. We’re here to make your life easier! By applying for our Trade Account, you can receive multiple benefits when ordering landscaping products from George Davies.