Is it possible to lay turf in the spring?Yes, of course it is, and here are some top tips to ensure that your new lawn turf will not just survive but thrive!
- Preparation is (still) key
- Just in time ordering (we deliver turf next day, get a price here)
- Looking after your lawn once it’s laid
The quality of your lawn will depend on the quality of your preparation. Luckily for you, there are very few perennial weeds growing at this time of year, although the mild temperatures mean that more are around than usual this year. Make sure you clear them all away, using a good systemic weedkiller if like most of us, you’re not confident that you can dig out every last root. The ground is pretty wet for digging over at the moment, and you’re likely to compact it if you try to stand on it, so wait for a reasonably dry period, say a week or two, before you start.
It’s a bit like stock control in factories, odd though that sounds. You don’t want your lawn turf standing around for any length of time, as it’s not good for the turf. So buy turf or order it from your turf suppliers just before you want to lay it. That may mean monitoring the long-term weather forecast for a while. You don’t want to lay turf when it’s very wet or very cold, that is, when the ground is frozen. So don’t order the turf until you’re confident that you have a few days’ grace when it’s not forecast to rain or freeze.
If the weather does turn against you, and you have to leave the turf unlaid for a few days, unroll it and leave it flat, instead of in rolls.
Over the last few years, we have had some pretty extreme weather, including long spells of both wet and dry weather, even in the spring. Both could be problematic, so let’s deal with them in turn.
First, wet weather. If it’s really wet, try to avoid walking on your lawn if possible. Regular foot passage in the wet will damage any lawn, but a new one is particularly vulnerable because the roots have not yet established, so it won’t come back after damage.
And if it’s very dry, you’ll need to water your new lawn more often, say every couple of days, instead of once a week, until you’re confident that it’s well established. If you’ve invested in good quality turf, it’s best to safeguard your investment, at least for the first few months.
As a seasoned landscaping expert with extensive hands-on experience and a deep understanding of turf installation, I can confidently affirm that laying turf in the spring is not only possible but also an opportune time for establishing a vibrant and healthy lawn. Allow me to delve into the nuances of the concepts mentioned in the article to provide you with comprehensive insights and tips for successful turf installation.
1. Preparation is (still) key:
- The assertion that the quality of your lawn depends on the quality of your preparation is spot-on. I emphasize the importance of thorough site preparation before laying turf. This involves clearing away any perennial weeds, a task made more manageable in the spring due to fewer of them compared to other seasons.
- The recommendation to use a good systemic weedkiller aligns with best practices, especially when dealing with challenging weeds that might have extensive root systems. This precaution ensures a clean slate for your new lawn.
2. Just in time ordering:
- The concept of just-in-time ordering is analogous to efficient stock control in factories. Acquiring turf just before you plan to lay it minimizes the time it spends standing around, which is crucial for its well-being.
- Monitoring the long-term weather forecast before ordering is a prudent strategy, as it allows you to choose a window of time when the weather is not excessively wet or cold. This aligns with the need to avoid laying turf during unfavorable weather conditions.
3. Looking after your lawn once it’s laid:
- The advice to avoid walking on the lawn during wet weather is rooted in the vulnerability of new turf. The delicate, establishing roots can suffer damage from regular foot traffic, hindering the lawn's overall health.
- Addressing extreme weather conditions, the article rightly acknowledges the challenges posed by both excessive wetness and dryness. It provides practical tips for each scenario, such as unrolling turf and avoiding foot traffic during wet weather, as well as increasing watering frequency during dry spells.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the intricacies of laying turf in the spring, drawing on sound horticultural principles and practical experience. Following these tips, rooted in a deep understanding of turf establishment, will not only ensure the survival but the thriving of your new lawn. If you have any specific questions or concerns about turf installation, feel free to inquire further for personalized advice.
