Over the past few years, the UK has experienced a dramatic shift in its weather patterns. According to the Met Office’s latest annual climate stocktake, weather records and extremes are now becoming the norm rather than the exception (Met Office Website). With hotter, drier summers and unpredictable rainfall, many homeowners and landscapers are rightly asking: what does this mean for our lawns and gardens?
At Inturf, we understand these concerns for laying and maintaining turf and we also face our own challenges growing your turf and maintaining that high quality you have come to expect. From challenging winter conditions to prolonged heatwaves in summer, our landscapes are under pressure like never before. However, we must not forget that natural turf, when cared for properly, remains one of the best solutions for resilient, cooler and sustainable gardens.
Adapting Turf to a Changing Climate
Many people are surprised to learn that turf can be laid all year round, what matters most is preparation and care (our turf calendar is a great starting point). By choosing the right time, preparing the ground properly and giving new turf the attention it needs, you can achieve a thriving lawn in any season.
There are obviously challenges at certain times such as turf heating during the hot months, however with the correct preparation and storage of your turf this can be prevented. Newly laid turf also requires consistent watering during that establishment phase and people can be concerned when there is talk about hosepipe bans. However, the TGA have worked hard with water companies to achieve a 28-day exception during a hosepipe ban to allow you to continue watering your turf. As part of your planning always check with your water company if you have any concerns.
Smart Solutions for Water Conservation
After such a dry first half of 2025 water conservation is a hot topic and something we should be thinking about for our gardens going forward. Our plants and lawn do need watering to stay in the best condition during these hot dry summers which is why we recommend practical steps like those shared by Yorkshire Water, including using water butts, watering early or late in the day, and choosing drought-tolerant plants for surrounding beds.
If you are also looking for ways to keep your garden cooler, then stay with natural turf as it absorbs heat, cools its surroundings and supports biodiversity far better than hard landscaping or artificial grass which can actually create more heat.
Additionally, our TerraCottem soil conditioners can reduce the need for watering by up to 50%. By improving soil structure and moisture retention, TerraCottem helps your turf stay healthy for longer, even during dry spells. TerraCottem have a range of products that can help with turf, hanging baskets, borders, shrubs and tree planting. Plus, our bark mulch can be used in borders and around trees to help increase water retention as it acts as a protective layer that slows down evaporation and improving soil structure.
Keeping Your Lawn Thriving in Any Weather
At Inturf, we believe a changing climate shouldn’t stop you from enjoying your lawn. By understanding the weather’s impact and adopting smart, proactive turf care practices, you can future-proof your garden for whatever comes next. Lawns going a slight brown colour might become a common sight if these hot, dry summers continue. However, we do want to reassure you that this is nothing to worry about, the grass may go dormant as a natural defence mechanism and will typically return as cooler and wetter conditions resume.
If you’d like advice on laying turf or caring for your lawn throughout the seasons, our team is always ready to help. Together, we can make sure your turf doesn’t just survive but it thrives for you to enjoy.
