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Can I Lay Turf In Autumn?
Autumn is an ideal time to lay turf, as the combination of cooler temperatures and lingering soil warmth creates perfect conditions for strong root establishment before winter. Installing turf during this season helps the grass settle in more efficiently and reduces the need for frequent watering and mowing compared to the hotter months.
In the video below, you'll find expert tips on properly installing turf in autumn, ensuring your lawn remains healthy and vibrant throughout the cooler months.
Why Autumn is a Great Time to Lay Turf
Autumn perfectly balances cooler temperatures and warm soil, creating optimal conditions for instant turf installation. The mild weather helps promote strong root establishment without the stress of extreme heat that comes with summer. Turf laid in autumn has plenty of time to settle in and develop a deep root system before winter sets in.
Benefits of Laying Turf in Autumn:
- Cooler temperatures reduce stress on newly laid turf, allowing it to establish more easily.
- The soil remains warm enough to encourage strong root growth, making your turf more resilient as winter approaches.
- You’ll save time on mowing and watering as the cooler weather slows down grass growth, reducing maintenance compared to summer.
By laying turf in autumn, you’re giving your lawn the best chance to thrive while also saving on water and effort.
How Long Does It Take Turf to Root in Autumn?
Laying turf in autumn allows it to establish a deep root system before winter, but how long does the process take? Below is a timeline to help you understand the typical rooting process for turf laid during the cooler months.
Stage |
Timeframe |
Description |
Days 1-7 |
First week |
Water daily to help the turf start rooting. |
Days 8-14 |
Second week |
Roots begin to take hold; reduce watering. |
Day 15 onwards |
2-4 weeks after installation |
Turf should be firmly rooted and established. |
Choosing the Best Turf Varieties for Autumn Installation
When laying a new lawn in autumn, choosing varieties that can establish strong roots before winter is essential. Some turf varieties are better suited for the cooler months, providing durability, shade tolerance, and low-maintenance benefits, perfect for a low-maintenance feature lawn.
Here are a few recommended varieties for autumn installation:
Sir Walter DNA Certified Grass
Known for its incredible shade tolerance and versatility, this variety thrives in both full sun environments and lightly shaded areas. It’s ideal for creating low-maintenance feature lawns.
Kikuyu Turf
A tough, summer-active grass that still establishes well during autumn. Kikuyu is hardy, making it a great choice for homes with heavy foot traffic.
Buffalo Turf
This Buffalo grass variety is well-known for its firm rooting and lower water requirements, making it perfect for installation in autumn when watering needs are reduced.
How to Lay Turf in Autumn
Laying turf in autumn requires careful steps to ensure your new lawn establishes strong roots before winter. Follow this step-by-step guide for the best results:
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
- Start by removing dead grass, weeds, and debris from the area.
- Level the ground to create a smooth surface for your new turf, ensuring proper contact between the soil and the roots.
Step 2: Lay the Turf
- Lay instant turf rolls tightly edge to edge, aligning the seams to avoid gaps.
- Stagger the turf pieces in a brick-like pattern to promote even growth and prevent lines from forming.
Step 3: Water the Turf
- After installing the turf, water it thoroughly to ensure the moisture reaches the deep root system to promote healthy growth.
- Continue watering daily for the first week, then gradually reduce the frequency.
Step 4: Avoid Walking on the Turf
- To allow the newly laid turf to be established properly, minimise foot traffic on the newly laid turf for the first few weeks.
- Avoid mowing until the turf is firmly rooted, usually after 2-3 weeks.
Turf Quality and Special Treatments in Autumn
At Lilydale Instant Lawn, maintaining top-quality turf is a priority, even during the cooler months. The treatments applied to ensure a healthy lawn include frost blankets and ColourGuard Plus applications, helping the turf stay in top condition through autumn and into winter.
Frost blankets
Frost blankets shield turf from potential frost damage. By covering the turf during cold nights, they help maintain an optimal temperature for root growth and prevent damage to the leaf blades.
ColourGuard Plus applications
ColourGuard Plus is a treatment applied to turf during autumn to enhance its appearance and functionality. This application darkens the turf's leaf blades, allowing it to absorb more heat from the sun. The extra warmth keeps the grass looking greener for longer and helps prevent frost damage, and delays the effects of winter dormancy.
These treatments ensure that your instant turf stays in top condition, even as the weather cools, giving your lawn the best chance to thrive throughout autumn and into winter.
Common Questions About Laying Turf in Autumn
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about laying turf in autumn:
Can I lay turf in autumn in Australia?
Yes, autumn is an excellent time to lay turf in Australia. The soil remains warm enough to promote root establishment, while the cooler weather reduces stress on the newly installed lawn, making it easier for the turf to settle in before winter.
What is the latest month to lay turf?
It’s best to lay turf by mid-autumn to give it enough time to establish a deep root system before the cooler winter months. Laying turf too late in autumn may not allow the roots to develop enough time before the cold weather sets in.
How long does turf take to root in autumn?
Depending on weather conditions, turf generally takes 2-4 weeks to develop a firmly rooted system. Proper watering and limiting foot traffic during this period will ensure the best results.
Set Your Lawn Up for Success with Autumn Turf Installation
Laying turf in early autumn offers several benefits, including reduced watering, less frequent mowing, and the ideal conditions for root establishment before winter. The cooler temperatures and warm soil provide the perfect environment to install turf successfully.
For instant turf installation that guarantees a healthy lawn, contact Lilydale Instant Lawn and explore the wide range of top-quality turf varieties available to suit your needs.