Can I Lay Turf in Summer?

To get straight to the point, yes, you can lay turf in summer, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your project is a success.

In this blog, we’ll share our top tips for laying instant lawn during the warmer months.

lay instant lawn

As we’ve already confirmed, it is possible to lay instant lawn in summer. In fact, for couch, kikuyu, zoysia, and buffalo lawns, the higher temperatures can actually help the grass establish faster. The warmer it gets, the more they grow, making summer one of the best times to install instant turf.

However, extremely high temperatures over several days (for example, multiple days above 38°C in the first week) are probably too hot, so keep this in mind when planning your turf-laying project as extra care and precautions will need to be considered.

 

Our Top Tips for Laying Turf in Summer

  • Be proactive and plan ahead. Before laying your turf, think about how you’ll provide the water it needs to thrive. Consider installing an irrigation system or getting a digital tap timer and a sprinkler to program the watering schedule. This will ensure your new lawn gets watered even when you’re not home.

 

  • For the first three weeks, plan to water at least three times per day at even intervals. Never let your new turf dry out.

lay turf in summer

  • Remove any plastic wrapping from the pallet as soon as it’s delivered. Do not water the lawn while it’s still on the pallet, as this can cause it to deteriorate more quickly.

 

  • Install your turf as soon as it’s delivered. Turf won’t be happy if left on the pallet overnight. Make sure the area is prepared and ready before the turf arrives.

 

  • If it’s a hot day, lightly water the ground to cool it down before laying the turf. This helps prevent the roots from singeing.

 

Watering

Watering is the most crucial factor when laying turf in summer.

Once your new turf is installed, make sure the roots stay damp and don’t dry out. Check the turf every few hours to see if it needs another drink. Don’t let it dry out at any stage.

For the first few weeks after laying your new turf in summer, you’ll need to keep the water up. The frequency of watering will depend on the local climate. As a general guide, in Adelaide, your lawn will need at least three waterings a day for the first few weeks. When watering, ensure the lawn gets a good soak, allowing the water to penetrate the soil underneath. This encourages the roots to establish.

water lawn

To help determine how long you should water, we recommend using a Catch Cup placed under the sprinklers. Time how long it takes for the cup to collect 2.5cm (1 inch) of water—this is considered a deep watering. To ensure even watering, place a Catch Cup under each sprinklers zone and compare the water collected. They should all collect the same amount of water in the same amount of time.

orbit catch cup

Keep in mind, you may need to water more frequently during extreme heat. Continue this for the first three weeks.

After three weeks, water deep once every second day initially, gradually stretching it out to 1-2 times a week, depending on turf and the weather. Water deeply in the early morning.  This encourages the grass to grow deeper into the soil, improving its drought tolerance.

Watering in the morning is more efficient and beneficial for your turf. It provides the moisture it needs to thrive throughout the day while minimising evaporation. Watering at night, on the other hand, will cool the turf before delivering hydration, leading to inefficient absorption and requiring more water to achieve the same results. Additionally, watering at night can leave the lawn damp overnight, creating the perfect environment for fungal growth and disease. If you must water in the evening, ensure the lawn is dry before the sun sets.

Avoid using handheld spray hoses, soaker hoses, or subsurface irrigation for at least 8 weeks after the lawn has taken root to ensure proper establishment.

For more watering tips, read our blog ‘5 Tips for Watering Your Lawn’ here.

 

Mowing

Once your lawn is established and the roots have grown into the soil, it is ready for its first mow. To check if the lawn is established, gently lift a corner of the turf. If it’s difficult to lift, the roots have established. As a general rule, mow 7-10 days after laying your turf in warmer months, or 3-4 weeks in cooler months.

For your first mow, raise the height of the mower to a slightly higher setting than usual, and use the catcher. Over the next few mows, gradually reduce the height.

lawn mowing

Fertilising

After 6-8 weeks, we recommend fertilising your new lawn with a granular fertiliser, such as Akers Organic Based Granular Fertiliser.

After the initial fertilisation, we suggest fertilising once a season. * Please note Tif Tuf lawns have different requirements.

To learn more about choosing the right fertiliser, check out our blog ‘How to Choose the Right Lawn Fertiliser’ here.

fertiliser

We hope these tips and tricks help you get started on the turf project you’ve been thinking about! For further assistance, check out our How-To Guides on our website here or give us a call – we’d be happy to assist with your yard transformation!

You can also order your turf with us! Call (08) 8326 3255 to place a large turf order for delivery or a small turf order for collection, available every week.