Why Quality Turf Makes a Difference, Even in Winter

At George Davies Turf & Stone, we’re advocates for laying turf all year round. How is that possible? With high-quality turf! Just because the temperature fluctuates, our products and service doesn’t. We understand that top-grade turf is important to our customers and our landscapers’ clients. That’s why we continue to source the best natural turf out there to guarantee a strong, healthy, and vibrant lawn installation.

In this article, we explain the significance of buying and laying high-quality turf, as well as the signs to look out for when identifying premium turf, and the advantages it can bring to your lawn project.

Contents Overview

• • Key signs of high-quality turf
  • Why quality turf makes a difference
  • Why delivery impacts quality
  • How best to store turf rolls
  • View our range of high-quality turf
  • Speak to the experts
  • Turf FAQs

Key Signs of High-Quality Grass Turf

A Vibrant Colour

Premium turf should be a rich, bright green! Slight colour variations are normal, but there shouldn’t be any yellow, brown, or black patches – this indicates a lack of freshness or potential turf issues.

A Thick Sward

The grass leaves on your turf should be thick, dense, and uniform in height. It should feel thick and plush to the touch, with a sturdy, grass-to-earth connection. Thinning grass or bald spots indicate poor-quality turf.

A Healthy Appearance

A quick and easy sign is to simply look at how turf rolls are displayed. Neatly stacked, evenly cut rolls with sharp edges indicate that care and attention were taken during the harvesting process. Wonky, uneven and damaged turf rolls suggest the opposite.

Strong Edges

You should be able to easily lift a good roll of turf from the edges without it crumbling or tearing. Stronger turf rolls not only suggest better quality, but they will also be easier to move and install.

A Nice Smell

Turf rolls should have a pleasant, fresh and earthy scent. If something seems off, or you can smell mould or sourness, it may have been sitting there for a while and has started to rot.

Good Moisture Levels

High-quality turf will have been well-irrigated before being cut. Rolls of turf should have a weight to them and a damp feeling to indicate adequate moisture levels. Soggy turf or dry patches suggest poor-quality turf and should be avoided.

Zero Weeds

Fresh, healthy turf should have zero weeds! If the turf rolls have weeds, it indicates a lack of freshness and turf strength, as well as potential issues with the turf.

Why Does Premium Turf Make a Difference?

Our turf experts explain why it’s worthwhile to invest in high-quality turf from the start of your project:

It establishes a strong & complex root system

In cooler seasons, as the temperature drops, above-ground growth slows. But below ground is another story! Whenever you choose to lay your turf, the roots jump into action to burrow down, helping the turf anchor in and source reliable resources.

Reduces the risk of your grass becoming stressed

Most seasons come with the risk of weather changes, which can impact your turf. Summer can trigger drought, and spring can bring April showers. Winter brings snow, rain, and limited sunlight, which can stress your turf at a critical stage in its establishment. Quality turf is strong, resilient, and better equipped to handle these challenges.

Better chance of weed control

Healthy turf not only encourages root development, but it also encourages grass growth (especially in spring). This consistent growth keeps the sward thick and prevents weeds from competing or taking over. Even in winter, quality turf can create full coverage, warding off weeds.

Increases water retention

Turf growers take massive pride in their turf! This comes down to providing adequate irrigation to keep turf hydrated right up until the moment it’s harvested. This means that when your turf arrives, it should have a good moisture level.

Why Turf Quality Matters More Than Ever in Winter

If you opt for low-grade turf, or turf that hasn’t been properly prepared or delivered, you won’t see the results you desire. Or you may encounter more lawn fungus and turf problems along the way. Installing a high-quality turf, especially in winter, can help:

• Improve root-to-soil contact to increase weather-resilience
• Enhance water drainage and retention to avoid lawns’ waterlogging
• Build robustness to higher foot traffic come spring and summer
• Reduced lawn repair due to poor or thin growth
• Faster recovery from any external stresses
• Provide a lush, vibrant lawn for years to come

Why Delivery Helps Maintain Turf Quality

Timing is everything when it comes to fresh turf. The moment turf is harvested, its shelf life begins to diminish. When you choose grass turf from George Davies, you’re selecting a turf product that has been grown, harvested, handled, and delivered with care and precision. We also understand the significance of speed; that’s why we ensure a two-hour delivery slot to get your fresh turf to you as soon as possible.

The Best Way to Store Your Turf Rolls

Once our friendly George Davies drivers have delivered your turf rolls, it’s up to you to get them laid ASAP. As a living product, the longer turf rolls are stacked, the quicker their quality drops. It’s essential to have your soil prepared and ready, so your turf can be installed immediately. If there’s a delay, keep your turf in a shaded area and cover it with a breathable tarpaulin to protect it from frost. If the centre of the rolls starts to overheat, roll them out and lightly water them.

View Our Range of High-Quality Turf

We’re proud to offer the following types of natural grass turf:

• Trident Turf
• RTF Turf
• Species Rich Turf
• Shade Tolerant Turf
• Clover Turf
• Wild Flower Turf
• View all turf varieties

Order Premium Turf with George Davies Turf & Stone

With fresh, premium turf, expert delivery, and proper installation, your turf can root deeply and flourish come spring! Our team of turf experts combine specialist knowledge, product quality, and delivery precision to help homeowners and landscapers achieve the perfect lawn. If you require any support, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Quality Turf FAQs About High-Quality Turf

What are the signs of good-quality turf?

Here’s a quick guide on what to look out for to confirm whether you’re purchasing high-quality turf:

• Ensure the colour is a vibrant green with no yellow, brown or black patches.
• Check the sward is dense and thick with no thin or bald patches.
• There should be a fresh, earthy smell; no hint of mould or sourness.
• You should be able to lift it by the edges without it tearing.
• Make sure there are no weeds in the rolls of turf.
• Avoid rolls that are waterlogged or have dry patches.

Why does the quality of turf matter so much in winter, if my lawn will be dormant?

Turf needs sunlight, warm air temperature and water to survive and thrive. In winter, these elements are limited due to the change in weather. Turf’s ability to develop a strong root system is essential for resisting stress and surviving the winter. Higher-quality turf is less susceptible to the risks of winter and can deliver a great lawn ready for spring.

Helpful article: How to Help Roots of Your Lawn Utilise Sunlight

 What’s the best way I can care for my turf during winter?

During the first few weeks of installing natural turf, focus solely on watering. Once your turf is established, you can mow, apply fertiliser and overseed if required.

Helpful articles: How Often Should I Water New Turf? and Can Fertilising Turf in Winter Help?

Is there less lawn maintenance if I invest in better quality turf?

Yes! Although you still need to water fresh turf regularly to ensure its development, the properties of premium turf can help reduce maintenance later on. High-quality turf has a stronger resilience to external factors, helping to minimise turf issues and lawn diseases.

Helpful articles: December Lawn Care and Guide to Lawn Fungus & Disease

All turf suppliers claim they have ‘high-quality turf’. How do I know who is best?

George Davies understands that there are many options available, some more convenient in terms of location and budget. However, to get the most out of your turf and achieve long-term results, you need to do your research. Look into how the turf supplier harvests, stores and delivers their turf, as this will indicate their attention to detail.

What are the signs that my turf is deteriorating before I lay it?

Here are the common signs that your turf has extended its shelf-life and is beginning to stress:

• Dry or curling edges
• Yellowing or discolouration
• Heat inside the rolls
• A strong, unpleasant odour