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Turf or seed?
Whether you choose turf or seed, the secret to a beautiful lawn lies in the preparation, says David Hurrion. Photos by Paul Debois
Reproduced from October 07 issue of Gardeners' World magazine. This month's issue on sale now. Subscribe now and save 30 per cent.
If you're planning a new lawn or replacing an existing one, now is an ideal time to put down turf or sow grass seed. There's still plenty of warmth in the soil, despite the poor summer, and a good chance of rain, both of which will encourage germination and rapid root growth, so your lawn will be well established before the cold winter weather arrives.
If you don't get the lawn done now, you'll have to wait until the spring. But, back to the big decision of whether to use turf or seed. Before taking the plunge, there are four key considerations:
Speed
Turf: This gives you an instant visual effect and, if properly laid, it can be walked on immediately. That said, avoid heavy use for the first few weeks while the roots grow into the soil and the grass knits each turf to its neighbour.
Seed: A lawn sown from seed will normally take two or three weeks to look green, and it'll be four to six weeks before you can walk on it.
Usage
Think about what your lawn will be used for. Do you need it to withstand heavy wear from children or dogs? Or perhaps you're after a fine lawn to look at. Also bear in mind whether your lawn will be in the shade.
Turf: You often have the choice of only one or two grades when you buy turf, so it can be hard to meet specific requirements - but it is very hard-wearing.
Seed: There's a wide variety of mixtures you can choose from, including ornamental, hardwearing, low maintenance and shade or drought tolerant.
Quality
The type of grass will dictate the quality of finish and the closeness of cut that you can achieve. Fine grasses will create the most attractive lawn.
Turf: This contains species such as coarse ryegrass. The texture is not so fine, but your lawn will withstand more wear and tear.
Seed: Grass seed is the only way to achieve a finely textured lawn.
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