The combination of increasingly frequent extreme weather, rising production costs and growing pressure on water resources is fundamentally changing the economics of turf production, the Turfgrass Growers Association has said.
These are no longer short-term challenges that growers can simply absorb and recover from.
With 71.3% of England experiencing drought conditions in August 2026, following an exceptionally hot and dry summer and the driest July on record for England, turf growers are once again facing sharply higher irrigation costs, crop damage, increased waste and potentially lengthy recovery programmes.
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 is a long-cycle crop. Damage sustained during prolonged dry weather can affect production for many months, delaying maturity, reducing yields and tying up land that would otherwise be used for future production. Where irrigation is possible, growers face significant additional costs for energy, labour and infrastructure. Where crops are badly affected, overseeding and extensive renovation may be required before they can return to a saleable condition.
These pressures come on top of sustained increases in the cost of fertiliser, seed, machinery, labour, transport and energy. Together, they are placing increasing pressure on the long-term economics of turf production and the sector’s ability to maintain a reliable supply.
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.”
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.
The TGA recognises that landscapers, contractors, sports facilities, housebuilders, local authorities and other customers are also facing their own cost pressures.
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.
Customers are encouraged to work closely with their individual supplier 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.”
