TGA Articles
UK turf growers highlight the continuing impact of drought
Turf growers from across the UK have come together to explain the severe impact that prolonged hot and dry conditions are having on their crops, businesses and future production.
In a new video produced by the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA), growers share the practical reality of producing turf during one of the most challenging growing seasons experienced by the industry.
The footage shows drought-stressed fields, depleted water resources and the difficult decisions growers are having to make to protect crops and maintain future production.
Difficult decisions being made on farms
In August, 71.3% of England was officially experiencing drought conditions. This follows the severe drought of 2022 and further difficult growing conditions in 2025, making this the third significant drought faced by many growers in just five years.
Turf is a living crop that can take between 12 and 18 months to reach maturity. Throughout that period, it requires careful management and a reliable water supply.
Growers featured in the video explain how falling reservoir levels and restrictions on irrigation are forcing them to prioritise the limited water available. In some cases, water is being directed towards fields currently being harvested, while other crops are being left without irrigation.
The consequences vary considerably across individual farms and fields. Some crops may recover but require further inputs, overseeding and an additional three to four months of production. More severely damaged areas may need to be completely redrilled or, in the worst cases, abandoned and ploughed back in.
The effects will continue after rainfall returns
Rainfall will provide welcome relief, but it will not immediately reverse the damage already caused.
Prolonged dry conditions affect both the visible grass plant and the root system beneath it. Strong root development is essential because the root mat holds the turf together when it is harvested, handled and laid.
Drought-stressed turf therefore needs time to recover before it can be lifted. Crops requiring overseeding or complete renovation will take considerably longer.
The dry conditions are also narrowing the available window for autumn sowing. This follows challenging conditions for crops established earlier in the year, creating the possibility that some turf originally expected to be available during 2027 will not be ready as planned.
The TGA is encouraging landscapers, contractors, housebuilders, local authorities, sports facilities and other significant users of turf to engage with their individual suppliers as early as possible when planning future requirements.
Early conversations will help customers understand the position of their chosen supplier and allow individual growers and customers to plan appropriately.
A challenge extending beyond turf farms
The effects of the drought are visible well beyond turf production fields. Lawns, public spaces, amenity areas and community sports grounds are all experiencing the consequences of prolonged dry weather.
While established grass is naturally resilient and can recover, significant and sustained rainfall will be needed to restore moisture throughout the soil profile and support recovery.
The current conditions demonstrate the importance of reliable water resources and the wider role played by healthy natural grass across gardens, landscaping, public spaces and sport.
Protecting the future supply of UK-grown turf
The challenges facing turf production are not limited to a single difficult summer. Growers are operating in an increasingly unpredictable climate while managing pressure on water resources, rising input costs and restrictions on the products available to control pests and diseases.
A healthy domestic turf-production sector is essential if the UK is to retain access to high-quality turf for gardens, landscaping, housebuilding, sport and public spaces.
The TGA will continue to raise awareness of the pressures facing growers and work with the wider supply chain to support the resilience and long-term sustainability of UK turf production.
The video follows the TGA’s recent statement on drought, rising production costs and the future of UK turf production.
