When it comes to your lawn, it can often be tricky knowing which type of covering is best – do you opt for lawn seed or turf? Turf is a fairly low-maintenance option that’s popular with those looking for an instantly lush lawn, without any of the associated waiting time or back-breaking work. It’s ideal for busy families and professionals who just want a garden that looks great – and turf stays looking gorgeous and green for longer, come rain or shine! But if you’re searching for the right type of turf for your garden, how do you know which type to choose? With so many options out there, you might be feeling a bit baffled; luckily we’ve come to the rescue with this handy guide that should help you to choose the perfect type of turf for your garden just in time for the hot summer weather.

Consider Your Space

When choosing turf for your garden, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. It’s important to take the time to think about any issues that your garden might have – for example, are there any shaded areas or large trees in your yard? You should also think about how much wear your lawn will experience. Families with young children will find their turf experiences far more wear and tear than a single person or professional couple who only use their outdoor space for occasional al fresco drinks and dining, for example.

Three Main Types

There are three main types of turf to choose from:

Family Lawn Turf – As its name suggests, this type of turf is designed for family homes where lawns will usually experience their fair share of wear and tear. Family lawn turf is usually made from durable rye grass and maintains its vivid green colour. It’s also incredibly low maintenance, making it ideal for busy families on the go who simply want a lawn that looks great, instantly

Lawn Master Turf – You’ll find that lawn master turf costs a bit more than family lawn turf, but you’ll also notice that it is more durable. It’s excellent in adverse conditions – so, for example, if you have a garden with lots of trees and shaded areas, lawn master turf could be the right choice for you

Deluxe Turf – This is the most expensive type of turf and you will sometimes hear it referred to as ‘ornamental’ turf. If you’re more concerned about the appearance of your lawn than its durability, then deluxe turf is the one for you! This fine-bladed turf looks beautiful and is shade-resistant, which also makes it a great choice for gardens with lots of trees.

Other Factors to Consider

There are other factors to consider when it comes to shopping for turf too:

Your available budget

How much time you can afford to spend on caring for and maintaining your new lawn

What you want your lawn to look like

Never underestimate the importance of choosing the right turf suppliers.  Some suppliers sell turf which started out as ‘meadow turf’; this means it was once part of a field where animals grazed. As you might imagine, this type of turf isn’t ideal for gardens, and you should always check that the supplier of your choice sells ‘cultivated turf.’ Another good question to ask your supplier is how old turf is when it’s cut, and how old it will be when it arrives on your doorstep. Generally speaking, the fresher the turf, the better – it will be easier to maintain and look much more attractive!

Be Informed

When it comes to choosing the right turf for your garden, you’ll find plenty of information on the right type of turf for your lawn online as well as information on whether seed or turf is the best choice for you. You’ll even find plenty of advice and how-to guides for laying your lawn yourself, if you decide this is the way to go! Of course, you could always invest a little extra cash and have a professional lay your lawn for you to ensure the best possible finish; when you’ve already spent this much on high-quality turf, it makes sense to go that extra mile!

Choosing the right turf doesn’t have to be a laborious task; with a little bit of research and armed with knowledge about your garden and requirements, you can choose the best type of turf for your garden and ensure you can enjoy a beautiful, green lawn all year round.

George Thompson is a gardener and landscaper with years of experience, here he outlines the best way to choose and implement turf in your garden.