How to Lay Turf in Hot Weather
Hot weather doesn't mean you have to put your lawn project on hold, but it does mean you'll need to plan carefully.
Fresh turf can establish successfully during summer, provided it is laid quickly, watered correctly and cared for during the first few weeks.
If you're planning to lay a new lawn during warm weather, here's how to give your turf the best possible start.
Prepare the Ground Before Your Turf Arrives
Preparation is even more important during hot weather.
Your ground should be fully prepared before delivery so you can begin laying the turf as soon as it arrives. Remove weeds and stones, level the area and apply your chosen topsoil before the first roll is laid.
Having everything ready reduces the amount of time the turf spends rolled up, helping to prevent it from drying out.
Arrange Delivery for the Day You Plan to Lay It
Fresh turf is a living product.
For the best results, it should be laid on the same day it is delivered. Leaving rolls stacked on a pallet, particularly in hot weather, creates heat inside the stack and can quickly affect the quality of the turf.
At Springbridge, our Premium Cultivated Turf is delivered fresh, so we always recommend preparing your garden before your delivery arrives.
Dampen the Soil Before You Start
If the ground is dry, lightly water the soil before laying the turf.
This helps provide moisture from below and gives the roots better conditions to establish.
The aim is for the soil to be damp rather than saturated.
Lay Turf Immediately
Start laying your turf straight away, working across the prepared area one roll at a time.
Lay each roll tightly against the next, staggering the joints in a brickwork pattern to create a more natural finish.
As you work, gently firm each roll down to ensure good contact with the soil underneath.
Water Thoroughly Once the Turf Is Down
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not watering enough after laying turf.
As soon as the lawn has been installed, water it thoroughly so the moisture reaches both the turf and the soil beneath. A quick spray over the surface is not enough.
During hot weather, continue checking underneath a corner of the turf to make sure the soil remains moist while the roots establish.
Water at the Right Time of Day
During summer, watering is most effective early in the morning or later in the evening.
This reduces evaporation and allows more moisture to soak into the soil where the roots need it most.
Depending on temperatures, newly laid turf may require more frequent watering during particularly hot periods. The important thing is to keep the turf moist without leaving it waterlogged.
Keep Off the Lawn
It can be tempting to start enjoying your new lawn straight away, but newly laid turf needs time to establish.
Avoid unnecessary foot traffic during the first few weeks while the roots grow into the soil below.
The stronger the root system becomes, the better your lawn will perform in the long term.
Don't Panic if the Turf Changes Colour
New turf can sometimes look slightly dry or lose some of its vibrant green colour during periods of hot weather.
This is often part of the establishment process rather than a sign that the turf has failed.
Providing the lawn is being watered correctly and the soil beneath remains moist, the turf should continue rooting into the ground.
Give Your Lawn the Best Start
Laying turf in hot weather is perfectly possible with the right preparation.
Preparing the ground before delivery, laying the turf immediately and keeping it well watered during the establishment period will give your new lawn the best chance of success.
If you're planning a new lawn this summer, our Premium Cultivated Turf is delivered fresh and is suitable for a wide range of domestic landscaping projects. If you're unsure how much turf or topsoil you need, our team is always happy to help.