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UK turf industry at ‘defining moment’ as drought and rising costs put future supply at risk
The UK turf industry is facing a defining moment as extreme weather, rising production costs and increasing climate-related risks place unprecedented pressure on growers, the Turfgrass Growers Association (TGA) has warned.
Figures released by the Government on 10 August show that 71.3% of England is experiencing drought conditions, following an exceptionally hot and dry summer and the driest July on record for England. For turf growers, the prolonged lack of rainfall and extreme temperatures have meant sharply higher irrigation costs, crop damage, increased waste and lengthy recovery programmes. In one reported case, irrigation costs have risen by around 40%, while drought-related damage could result in waste levels reaching around twice their normal level, even after extensive restoration work. These are significant costs in a sector where margins are already under intense pressure.
The TGA warns that these pressures do not end when rainfall returns, with consequences for turf availability, lead times and the economics of production creating the prospect of reduced availability and shorter supply across the turf market.
Richard Owens, chair of the Turfgrass Growers Association, said: “With more than two-thirds of England now officially in drought, the scale of the challenge facing turf growers has never been clearer. This is not an isolated problem affecting one part of the country or one difficult growing season. The economics of turf production have changed, with growers facing substantially higher costs and greater production risk than in previous years. Individual businesses will need to assess those pressures within their own operations and make their own commercial decisions accordingly.”
“For landscapers and contractors, a healthy domestic turf-growing sector is essential. If growers are unable to maintain economically viable production, capacity will come under pressure and that could ultimately affect the availability of turf in the market.”
The current drought is the third experienced in England in five years, following droughts in 2022 and 2025, underlining the increasing frequency of extreme conditions.
Turf production is particularly exposed because of the length of the growing cycle. Damage sustained during drought can delay maturity and harvesting, reduce yields and tie up land that would otherwise be used for future production.
Stuart Ridd-Jones, director at Harrowden, a member of the TGA, said: “As growers, we have seen the impact of this summer in the field every day. Prolonged dry weather puts pressure on every part of turf production. Irrigation demand rises quickly, heat and drought stress can damage crops, and getting those fields back to where they need to be takes time, labour and investment.
“Rain doesn’t simply reset the clock. We can still be dealing with poor yields, renovation work and delayed harvests months after the weather has changed. These are real costs and real risks that have a direct impact on the economics of producing turf and on our ability to maintain the reliable levels of supply that customers expect.”
Where water is available, irrigation can protect crops but brings significant additional energy, labour and infrastructure costs. Where turf has suffered more severe damage, growers may need to overseed and renovate before crops can return to saleable condition. These pressures come on top of sustained increases in the cost of fertiliser, seed, machinery, labour, transport and energy.
The TGA says the combination of rising costs and more frequent extreme weather is placing increasing pressure on the long-term economics of turf production and the sector’s ability to maintain reliable supply.
David Waring, from Sovereign Turf, a member of the TGA, said: “We cannot remember a year as challenging as this one. The scale of the cost increases facing growers like us is significant. Reports suggest that, as of April 2026, the price of red diesel had risen by 79% compared with the 2025 average, leaving UK farmers facing an estimated £337 million in additional red diesel costs this year as a result of the Iranian conflict.[1] With 2026 proving to be one of the most extreme weather years on record, further significant pressure has been applied. Demand for irrigation, and in turn diesel, is off the scale. Even with good water security, wastage is likely to be significantly above normal and supply pressures are becoming increasingly likely. These additional costs and production risks underline the level of investment now required to maintain a reliable supply of quality turf.”
The TGA stresses that maintaining a resilient and economically viable sector is not simply about recovering the costs associated with one exceptionally hot, dry summer. Growers also need to invest in water storage, irrigation, machinery and crop management to build resilience against conditions that are becoming increasingly frequent.
Richard said: “We also recognise that businesses throughout the landscaping and horticultural supply chain are facing their own cost pressures. That is why constructive conversations between individual growers and their suppliers and customers are so important. We need a supply chain that recognises the pressures facing all parts of the market and supports long-term resilience.”
Production decisions made now can influence turf availability many months or even years ahead. Reduced investment or lower production acreage could create future capacity constraints and leave the market more vulnerable during periods of high demand.
The TGA is calling on customers to work closely with growers and plan requirements as early as possible, particularly where significant volumes are required. Individual growers remain responsible for determining their own prices and commercial terms.
Richard concluded: “The events of this year have highlighted how exposed turf production can be to prolonged extreme weather, but this is bigger than just 2026. The climate and cost environment in which we are growing turf has changed. If we want a resilient UK turf industry that can continue supplying landscapers, horticultural businesses and domestic customers with quality turf, the sector needs to remain economically viable and capable of investing for the future.”
Source: [1] UK Parliament, Cost of red diesel, Early Day Motion, 13 May 2026: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/65774/cost-of-red-diesel
