Preventing Pallet Burn for Your Fresh Turf
There’s nothing quite like the look of fresh, green turf ready to transform your backyard—but when the summer heat kicks in, that turf can be at risk of “pallet burn.” Pallet burn happens when freshly harvested turf starts heating up in the middle of a stacked pallet due to hot weather and limited airflow. If not handled quickly, it can impact the turf’s freshness and durability. But don’t worry—there are simple ways to prevent pallet burn and keep your turf looking lush and lively.
Here’s everything you need to know about pallet burn, why it happens, and what you can do to avoid it!
What is pallet Burn?
Pallet burn is heat stress that affects turf when it sits stacked for extended periods, especially during hot weather. Even though turf is cut fresh to order, the inner layers can start heating up if they aren’t laid out quickly. This hidden heat stress doesn’t show up right away but may become visible as the new turf settles in—especially if it wasn’t laid straight away.
Why Does pallet Burn Happen?
Hot Climate Factor: Living in a warm or hot climate comes with unique challenges for fresh-cut turf. Summer temperatures can quickly cause heat stress, especially for the middle layers in a turf stack, which have less air circulation.
The Living Product Factor: Turf is a living product, and like any living thing, it needs airflow and hydration to thrive. When stacked tightly, the inner layers don’t get as much air, making them more vulnerable to heat stress. This is why laying it immediately is so important—getting it down on the soil is the best way to let it breathe and establish roots.
Top Tips to Prevent pallet Burn
Whether you're a DIY lawn enthusiast or hiring a pro, these quick tips will help keep pallet burn at bay and ensure your turf is healthy and happy:
Be Ready to Lay ASAP: The best way to prevent pallet burn is to lay your turf as soon as it arrives. Have your soil prepped and any helpers lined up, so you’re ready to get to work the moment it’s delivered.
Lay in Stages: If you’re laying a large area, try laying sections in stages. Start rolling out the turf in one section while the remaining rolls stay shaded. This keeps the turf from heating up in the stack while you work.
Keep It Shady: If immediate laying isn’t possible, place the pallet in the shade to buy yourself some time. Even a few hours in the shade can make a big difference in reducing heat build up.
Water While You Lay: Turf loves hydration, so give it a light mist as you lay it down, especially on hot days. This keeps the grass cool and reduces stress while you get the whole area covered.
Handling pallet Burn: What to Look For
After laying your turf, keep an eye out for these early signs of pallet burn:
Yellowing or Browning Spots: If parts of the turf start yellowing or browning a day or two after laying, it could be a sign it got too hot.
Dry Patches: Heat stress can cause turf to dry out in patches, especially in the middle layers.
Slow Rooting: Burned turf may take longer to establish roots, so it’s essential to keep it well-watered and monitor any areas that don’t “grab” as quickly.
If you see signs of burn, all is not lost! In many cases, regular watering and a bit of TLC can help the turf bounce back as it settles in.
A Final Note on pallet Burn
Pallet burn is a reality of working with living turf, especially in a hot climate. But with a bit of preparation and some quick action when your turf arrives, you can avoid most issues and enjoy a fresh, healthy lawn. When you’re prepared to lay that turf fast, you’ll be giving it the best chance to root quickly and thrive.