Top Turf Tips for November

We’re often asked, “Can you lay turf in November?”, and there’s only one answer: yes!

November is actually one of the best months to lay turf in the UK. Conditioners are ideal, turf is fresh, and there’s time for your grass to settle in before winter.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly why you should be laying turf in November, common mistakes to avoid and our two tips for long-lasting lawn success!

Why November is a Great Month to Lay Turf

November is an ideal time to lay turf in the UK. Cooler air temperatures, higher soil moisture and lower evaporation levels allow fresh turf to establish strong roots before spring.

The only times to avoid laying turf in November are when the ground is frozen, waterlogged or covered in snow.

Laying turf in November also means:

• Less watering
• Reduced turf stress
• Less lawn use and disturbance
• Time for roots to anchor in

Read More: Can You Lay Turf in Autumn?

Top Tips for Installing Turf in November

For a full step-by-step guide for laying turf in November, follow our How to Lay Turf article, which has a video tutorial by George himself!

If you’re just looking for some additional advice for a smooth turf installation, follow these 7 top turfing tips:

Check the weather

Turf can be installed any time of the year. But there are three instances where we would advise not to lay turf:

When the ground is frozen – solid ground will make it difficult for young roots to grow and develop, leading to poor establishment and weak grass come spring.

If your ground is waterlogged – water pooling on top of your grass indicates poor drainage. Resolve this issue first to give new turf the best chance.

During heavy snowfall – fresh turf needs plenty of sunlight. Heavy snowfall will prevent turf from receiving the energy it needs from the sun to produce a strong, healthy lawn.

Read More: How to Repair Your Lawn After Frost and Snow

Prepare the ground correctly

This is the crucial step no matter what time of year you are laying turf. To produce a resilient, robust, and healthy lawn, the ground needs to be in the best condition possible.

This means:

• All old grass, weeds, stones and debris are removed
• There’s healthy soil that isn’t dry and compacted
• The soil is flat and even to create a level lawn
• A layer of turf topsoil has been added to improve soil health

Read More: How to Prepare Your Soil for Turf

Lay turf rolls asap

Turf from George Davies will be delivered to you freshly cut and straight from the fields. To get the most out of its vitality, you’ll want to lay the turf rolls as soon as possible.

The benefit of November is that temperatures are cooler, and the chances of SOD heating are low. So, turf can remain rolled up while you work.

Top tip: To speed up turf laying, leave small piles of turf rolls around the edge of where you’re turfing to save time.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Turf Rolls?

Use laying boards

Wooden laying boards are crucial when installing turf in November.

If we have experienced rain, the ground may be softer than usual and stepping onto mud or your fresh turf could easily leave divots, dips or indentations, all leading to an uneven lawn.

Create a path with wooden boards to where you’re installing turf, and lay boards on top of freshly laid turf to avoid muddy footprints ruining it!

Water if needed

Freshly laid turf must be watered as soon as it’s been laid. You need to ensure it is thoroughly watered, with the soil underneath fully saturated.

However, if it’s heavily raining, you can skip this part.

New turf needs to be watered daily. Again, if there’s consistent rainfall, you don’t need to worry – keep checking that water is soaking through to the soil and roots by gently lifting a corner of the turf.

Read More: How Often Should You Water New Turf?

Stay off the turf

Ideally, you want your turf to be undisturbed for a couple of weeks while the roots establish themselves.

Although your lawn is in less demand, in November, there is an increased chance of fallen leaves or snow. A thin layer of snow will melt and hydrate your new turf, but heavy piles should be removed.

Fallen leaves should also be removed to allow as much sunlight as possible to reach your new turf and its roots.

Read More: How Soon Can I Use My New Lawn?

Mow on mild days

You won’t need to mow your newly laid lawn for a couple of weeks until the turf is fully anchored in. When your grass is ready for its first cut, wait for a mild, dry day.

Keep the mower height higher than usual as this will keep the grass blades longer and help protect your soil and grass roots through winter.

Read More: The Importance of Mowing

View Our Range of Turf

At George Davies Turf & Stone, we have a wide range of premium turf to transform your outdoor space.

• Trident Turf
• Wild Flower Turf
• Clover Turf
• Show Lawn Turf
• Hardwearing Turf
• Species-Rich Turf
• Greens Turf
• Shade Tolerant Turf
• Revetting Turf
• View All

View our Case Studies to see how our turf is transforming UK landscaping!

Speak to the Experts

If you need any support choosing the right turf for your landscaping project, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly customer service team.

Are you a landscaper? Don’t miss out on our Trades Account that has numerous benefits to you and your clients.

FAQs

Can you lay turf in November?

Yes. November is an excellent month to lay turf in the UK because cooler weather and increased rainfall help new grass roots develop before spring.

Will fresh turf grow in November?

Absolutely! While leaf growth is slow in November, ground temperature is warm enough for the roots to continue to grow, develop and strengthen.

How long does grass take to root in November?

Shallow turf rooting takes 2 to 3 weeks, with full establishment taking 4 to 6 weeks. This may take a little more time in colder temperatures.

Should I water freshly laid turf in November?

You should water new turf as soon as it’s laid. If there’s plenty of rainfall, you do not need to water new turf. If November is dry or mild, then water your new turf daily for two weeks.

Is autumn better than spring for laying turf?

In our opinion, yes, autumn is better than spring for laying turf – weather conditions are still ideal, and your lawn is in less demand, giving new turf time to grow.