Top Quality Turf

Is your lawn looking a little worse for wear after summer? From weeks of sunshine and dry weather to BBQs, paddling pools, pets and plenty of use, your grass has been through a lot.

The good news? Autumn is one of the best times to lay new turf in the UK!

In this article, we explore your autumn lawn renovation, whether you need to repair or replace your lawn this autumn, and why autumn is a great time to lay fresh turf.

Contents Overview:

• Is autumn a good time to lay turf?
• Benefits of replacing your lawn
• View our range of turf
• 4 great reasons to lay turf in autumn
• How to prepare your lawn for turf in autumn
• How long does turf take to root in autumn
• Should I repair or replace my lawn?
• Speak to the experts
• FAQs

Is Autumn a Good Time to Lay Turf?

Absolutely! In fact, many landscapers encourage replacing your lawn in autumn rather than spring. But why?

Autumn in the UK is one of the best times to lay turf because the mild temperatures, moist soil and regular rainfall make the growing environment more reliable. It puts less stress on young turf, helping it establish quicker.

Read More: Can You Lay Turf in Autumn? 

Benefits of Replacing Your Lawn with Fresh Turf this Autumn

• Milder temperatures put less stress on turf
• Soil is naturally moist, helping hydrate your roots
• More rainfall means you save time and money on watering
• Roots develop a strong, healthy system
• Turf can establish properly before winter sets in
• Better performance and growth in springtime
• Lawns are in less demand, so more time to settle in

View Our Range of Turf

Ready to replace your lawn this autumn? View our range of premium natural turf:

• Trident Turf
• Wild Flower Turf
• Clover Turf
• Show Lawn Turf
• Hardwearing Turf
• Species-Rich Turf
• Greens Turf
• Shade Tolerant Turf
• Revetting Turf

4 Great Reasons To Lay New Turf in Autumn

If you’re planning an autumn lawn renovation, there are several reasons why laying fresh turf now makes perfect sense.

Cooler Temperatures

New turf needs plenty of moisture and minimal stress. During hot, dry summers, water evaporates quickly and fresh turf can dry out – especially if there’s a hosepipe ban too!

Autumn’s cooler air temperatures and milder soil temperatures create the perfect environment for your new lawn to settle in, while keeping your lawn thoroughly hydrated.

Read More: Is Your Turf Stressed?

Easier Ground Preparation

When laying turf, it needs good contact with moist, well-prepared soil so the roots can begin growing into the earth.

Preparing hard, dry soil for turf can be hard work, but autumn conditions make it easier to prepare the ground, break up compacted soil, and create the best foundation for your turf.

Read More: How to Prepare Your Soil for Turf

Less Watering Required

Newly laid turf requires regular watering – once, sometimes twice a day. The good thing about autumn is that rainfall increases, reducing the number of times you need to water (or worry about watering) your new lawn.

Don’t get caught out by relying on rain alone. Check the soil under your new turf regularly to check that water has soaked through to the soil, and therefore, the roots.

Read More: How Often Should You Water New Turf?

Time to Establish Before Spring

The biggest advantage of laying turf in autumn is the time it has to settle in and build a strong root system before you make full use of your garden again.

In autumn and winter, you tend to stay off your lawn, giving it a chance to develop robust roots that help it survive winter conditions and the summer heatwaves that follow.

How to Prepare Your Lawn for New Turf This Autumn

1. Remove Existing Turf

Strip away the old turf along with weeds, large stones and other loose debris.

2. Prepare the Soil

Turn over the soil to a depth of about 150mm. Add a layer of topsoil to improve its condition.

3. Level the Ground

Rake the area over and press the soil down to create a flat, even surface.

4. Lay Your Turf

Starting in the top corner, roll out your fresh turf in a brick-wall pattern, butting the edges together.

Read our How to Lay Turf Ultimate Guide for a full step-by-step guide and video tutorial from George himself.

Should I Repair or Replace My Turf in Autumn?

Not every summer-exhausted lawn needs replacing. Even the brownest lawn can bounce back to a vibrant green with some autumn rainfall.

If your lawn is still healthy but is struggling in areas, simple patch repairs can help. Scarifying, aerating compacted soil, fertilising and overseeding can all help restore your lawn to its former beauty.

However, it may be worth replacing your lawn with fresh, top-quality turf if:

• Large areas of grass have died
• Grass has remained brown and straw-like
• The ground is extremely uneven
• Weeds have taken over your lawn
• Lawn fungus keeps returning
• You can easily pull the grass and roots from the ground

View Our Range of Turf

Speak to the Experts

If you’re looking for the best autumn turf for your garden, explore our range of premium lawn turf. You can also contact our friendly customer service team, who are on hand to answer your turf and autumn lawn care questions.

FAQs

Can I lay turf in autumn?

Yes, you can lay fresh turf in autumn. As long as the soil isn’t solid or waterlogged, mild temperatures and naturally moist soil can help new turf establish and thrive come spring.

When should I not lay turf in autumn?

There are only two instances where it’s not suitable to lay turf in autumn: when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. In these conditions, roots will struggle to develop, which will affect your turf’s health, resilience, and appearance.

Does new turf need watering in autumn?

Yes, new turf laid in autumn will still need watering. Despite the higher rainfall, new turf needs to be watered daily. Check the soil beneath the turf to ensure that water has soaked all the way through.

How long does new autumn turf take to root?

New turf can begin developing shallow roots within 2 weeks. Full lawn establishment takes between 4 and 6 weeks, as long as growing conditions are suitable, which autumn often brings.

When should I first mow new autumn turf?

Wait until your lawn has fully established, around 4 to 6 weeks. For the first cut, set your mower to a high setting and only trim the top of your grass.