Why lay turf in the summer?
There are two main reasons for laying turf during the warmer months:

1. Your lawn is in dire need of a refresh!
Perhaps your lawn is more brown than green, has become patchy beyond repair, or has been wrecked by pests or disease. If it’s become an eyesore or even an unusable space, it can make sense to re-turf, particularly in the summer months if you’re planning outdoor events and social gatherings or simply want to enjoy relaxing in your garden.
2. Landscaping to a deadline
Professional landscapers often don’t have the luxury of choosing the season. Working to new build or renovation timescales means turfing whenever the project demands it. Summer may not be ideal, but it’s often unavoidable.
The key to successfully laying turf in summer requires taking into account the likelihood of higher temperatures and lower rainfall.

What to think about before laying summer turf
New turf can thrive in summer, but only if you take the right steps beforehand. Preparation is even more crucial in hot weather:

1. Soil preparation
Prepare the soil as you would at any other time of year:
a. clear old grass and weeds
b. dig over the soil to at least 15cm depth, and rake it level
c. it is very important to roll or firm the soil down before raking so the texture isn’t left ‘squashy’
d. Water the prepared ground thoroughly a day or two before turfing. This helps create a cooler, more welcoming environment for the new turf’s roots.
2. Timing is key
Avoid laying turf during the hottest part of the day otherwise the roots may dry out too quickly – and don’t lay in the morning then wait until the evening for the first watering. Ideally start watering the turf before you’ve finished laying, especially if it’s a large area: lay some rolls and begin watering while you continue laying. For smaller jobs you can just water once you’ve laid.
3. Shrewd ordering
Only order the amount of turf you can comfortably lay within a few hours. In hot conditions, stacked rolls of turf can quickly overheat and begin to degrade (link to relevant blog). If possible and practical, arrange for multiple smaller deliveries rather than one large one.
4. Be weather-aware
Always check the weather forecast before placing your turf order. While a bit of sunshine is fine, a looming heatwave is not the time to lay new turf. If there are overcast days or cooler spells on their way, it’s worth holding off until then, if you can. However, a sudden heavy downpour could lead to muddy, uneven laying conditions. The basic rule is to try to avoid extreme conditions, dry or wet.

Aftercare – water, water, water!
Watering is the most critical part of summer turfing. New turf needs moisture to settle in and start forming roots in the soil beneath. In summer, that means watering generously, usually for at least the first two weeks. Don’t water in the hottest part of the day, choose early morning or evening. Make sure the water reaches the soil beneath the turf, not just the surface.

Avoid walking on the new turf until it’s properly rooted. This generally takes 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the weather.

Our summers now bring the risk of hosepipe bans. The good news is that newly laid turf can be watered during a hosepipe ban. This is only up to 28 days after installation but that should be enough to give the turf time to form roots and gain strength.

Laying turf in summer isn’t the first choice, but it’s perfectly doable with the right planning and attention. Whether you’re replacing a tired lawn or working to a building schedule, the key to success is preparation, watering and watching the weather. Get those things right, and your summer lawn can thrive just as well as one laid in spring or autumn.

The short answer is yes! If you can, letting your lawn grow into June can offer even greater benefits for wildlife.

Why extend no mow?

During May, unmown lawns allow wildflowers like daisies, clover and buttercups to bloom, offering vital nectar for early-emerging bees and other insects. But for many species, including butterflies and moths, June is a critical month for feeding and breeding. Longer grass provides shelter, while flowering plants continue to offer food.

By extending No Mow May into No Mow June, you’re not just helping pollinators, you’re supporting a wider network of wildlife that relies on undisturbed grassland.

A balanced approach

Of course, not everyone wants a completely wild lawn. If you’re concerned about the look of your garden or worried about the health of your turf, you can take a mixed approach. Try mowing some paths through the grass or cutting back a small section while leaving the rest to flourish. This keeps your lawn accessible and neat while still providing valuable habitat.

Another option is to set aside a specific area of your lawn, even just a corner, as a long-grass zone for the summer. You’ll be surprised how quickly insects, birds and small mammals make it their home.

Will it harm the grass?

Temporarily stopping mowing won’t harm most turfgrass species. In fact, giving the lawn a break from regular cuts can actually strengthen root systems and improve resilience. Just be sure to raise the mower blades when you do finally cut; a drastic short mow after weeks of growth can stress the grass.

No Mow May is a great start but No Mow June takes it further. Whether you fully commit or go halfway, allowing your lawn to grow a little longer can be a simple, effective way to support biodiversity in your own back garden.

First impressions really do matter when it comes to new-build homes and developments. It’s not just the interior of a home that counts, a beautifully landscaped exterior can make all the difference in attracting buyers, boosting sales and adding value to a property.

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to boost the appeal of a development is to choose high-quality turf.

For property developers and housebuilders, investing in high quality turf not only adds to the look of a development, but it can also be a strategic choice that heightens the overall desirability of a new home.  

1. More attractive to buyers

A new-build development is often a blank canvas. Quality landscaping and lush green lawns can really be the difference in making it feel like a potential home. Premium turf provides instant greenery, ensuring homes look finished and well-presented from the moment they hit the market – unlike bare soil or patchy grass seed which can create an incomplete appearance. Whether it’s a private garden, a communal green space or a show home exterior, high-quality turf enhances the visual appeal of the entire development.

2. Higher perceived value

It’s no secret that house buyers often prefer homes that have a ‘move-in ready’ feel. A lush, well-maintained lawn will add to that perception. Properties with well-laid turf may even sell faster because they require less immediate effort from the new homeowner.

Additionally, developments with front gardens and communal areas that have a consistent, well-kept appearance by their very nature create a sense of quality, which can encourage higher property values and stronger demand, particularly in competitive markets.

3. Reduced long-term maintenance and costs

Lower-quality turf may lead to ongoing problems such as poor drainage, weak root systems and rapid deterioration. Choosing quality turf that has been grown locally will help ensure a longer-lasting, healthier lawn. This reduces the likelihood of patchy, worn-out grass that needs replacing within a few years. For property developers, it can help with:

• Lower maintenance costs for show homes and communal areas.
• Less complaints from new homeowners about poorly performing lawns.
• Better long-term durability, avoiding the need for expensive replacements.

4. Sustainability

For developers aiming to meet sustainability targets, selecting a locally sourced, responsibly grown turf can contribute to greener building practices as well as offering aesthetic and practical benefits. Choosing a local supplier not only cuts down on delivery miles but also helps to support the local economy.

5. Choosing the right turf for your development

For housebuilders and developers in the South West, selecting the right turf supplier is key. High-quality turf should be:

• Grown to UK climate conditions, ensuring resilience and longevity.
• Suited to the site’s needs.
• Freshly harvested and properly laid by an experienced landscaper.

While turf might seem like a small detail in the world of property development, its impact is significant. A well-turfed landscape can help sell homes faster and provide long-term cost savings as well as contributing to a greener, more attractive environment.

For property developers looking to maximise the value of their projects, investing in high-quality turf is a simple decision.

HCT Turf consistently supplies local landscapers and garden services businesses with turf cultivated in Exeter on a sandy loam soil which enables us to offer this consistent grade all year round, almost regardless of weather conditions. Our seed mix produces a turf that combines a beautiful lawn with high wear tolerance and easy maintenance. 

When you see a roll of green turf ready to lay, it looks like a pretty simple product. However, the journey from seed to sod needs careful planning, preparation and patience. While farm crops are planted and harvested in a single season, turf takes over a year to grow. As turf-growers, we have to think long-term. Correct timing for when we seed a field is crucial.

Turf vs traditional crops

There’s a difference in the growing cycle of turf and traditional crops. Cereals or vegetables are often  harvested within months of being planted. Turf, however, needs over a year to fully establish. It’s not just a case of the grass growing, the turf also needs a dense strong mat to help with lifting, transportation and laying. This long growing period means that we need to carefully plan when and where to sow each new crop.

When to seed: spring or autumn?

The 150 acres on the outskirts of Exeter that HCT uses for turf production are seeded either in the spring or autumn. The timing depends largely on when the previous crop was harvested and how quickly the field can be turned around ready for seeding again. If a field is harvested in late summer, it might be seeded in early autumn before the cold sets in. Alternatively, if winter delays field preparation, we may wait and seed in the spring once the conditions are better.

Choosing between spring and autumn also depends on other factors, for example rainfall, soil temperature and our particular regional climate. Autumn sowing benefits from warm soil and consistent moisture, which means the grass seed has a strong start before the dormant winter months. Conversely, spring sowing means steadily increasing temperatures and longer days, with growth continuing into summer.

Preparing the field

Before any seed is sown, the field must be properly prepared. This process starts with clearing the land of any remaining turf or debris. If soil has compacted this needs to be loosened. The surface is then levelled to help promote uniform growth and efficient future harvesting. A smooth, clean seedbed is essential to promote even germination and root development. Uneven areas or poor drainage may affect the overall quality of the turf crop.

What happens after seeding

Once the ground is seeded, the germination period will depend on a variety of factors. Early care is crucial, with fields irrigated when necessary to support the grass to grow. The fields are mown once the grass reaches a certain height, which encourages the turf to grow thick and strong, creating a dense root network.

Finally, around a year or more after it was sown, the turf is ready to be cut, sold and delivered to landscapers and residential customers.

The patience of the HCT turf grower!

Growing turf is a ‘long game’ requiring skill and timing and an understanding of prevailing weather conditions. Whether seeded in spring or autumn, the goal is always to grow a healthy, high-quality product that will thrive in its new home. The next time you walk on a perfect lawn, remember—it likely started its journey more than a year ago, from seed to sod.

We supply quality turf all year round. If you would like any advice on lawn care or would like to talk to us about your order, please contact us on 01392 231040 or email sales@wesellturf.com

Why it’s important to lay turf as soon as possible after delivery

Once you’ve ordered your turf and been given a delivery date, you need to ensure that it can be laid in a timely manner.

If you leave the rolls of turf for too long, there’s a good chance that you’ll find yellow or dry patches. This can be down to heat stress, which can affect the quality and appearance of turf before it’s laid, especially during warmer months.

So what is heat stress, why does it happen and how can you prevent it?

What is heat stress?

Heat stress occurs when turf is exposed to high temperatures after being harvested and rolled. Turf rolls are stacked for transport to enable efficient delivery. However, rolling limits airflow between layers. In warmer weather this can lead to heat build-up.

It’s important to remember that freshly cut turf is a living plant system that continues to release energy even when rolled. This produces heat and without enough ventilation, that heat becomes trapped, causing the turf to overheat, dry out, and even deteriorate.

Why does it happen?

Heat stress is most common during late spring and summer when ambient temperatures are higher.  

• Delays in laying the turf after delivery
• Long storage times, particularly if rolls are kept in a hot van or on-site without shade
• Poor handling, such as stacking turf in direct sunlight or failing to unroll it promptly
• Lack of moisture, which makes grass more vulnerable to damage

How to prevent heat stress

Turf is at its healthiest immediately after harvesting. Once it has been delivered:

Lay turf asap

If possible, lay your turf within 24 hours of delivery or even on the same day, especially in warm weather.

Keep turf cool

If you can’t lay the turf immediately, store the rolls in a cool, shaded area. Don’t stack them too high and keep the stack slightly loose to help the flow of air.

Watering

Water the soil before you lay the turf. Once it’s laid, thoroughly soak the lawn – this helps the turf recover from any stress and encourages root establishment.

Order from an experienced supplier

Turf grown and harvested by an experienced supplier will be healthy, which means it is less prone to heat stress. Reliable growers time their harvesting carefully and deliver turf quickly to minimise deterioration. An experienced turf grower will:

• Cut turf fresh to order
• Handle it carefully
• Minimise time between cutting and delivery
• Provide advice on installation and aftercare
• Understand how to manage turf in different seasons

Choosing a reputable, local supplier ensures you receive turf that’s suited to local conditions and is far less likely to suffer from heat-related damage.

Need more information?

Need advice or ready to order turf? Get in contact with us and we’ll be happy to help you get the best results, whatever the weather.