Lawn Care

Tips and guidance on how to care for your brand new turf

Caring for your newly laid turf.

The most crucial period in the life of a newly laid lawn is usually around the first eight weeks. During this period, the turf needs time to root itself into the soil.

  •  The soil needs to remain wet at all times and should never be allowed to dry out.

  •  The lawn should not be walked upon unless absolutely necessary (for example, if it needs to be watered).

Watering your lawn

Your turf needs water when it is growing. New turf may require watering twice a day for the first week, then 2-3 times a week, then, after 3-6 weeks, once a week.

Once your turf is established, it is best to water it well before noon, so it will dry off before evening. During the spring and autumn, the turf will require much less water than the summer, and during the winter the turf does not need to be watered at all.

It is recommended that you use a sprinkler to water your turf, as hand watering is generally the least accurate.

When to mow your lawn

MARCH - MAY
This is the best time of year to start reguarly mowing your lawn. Avoid cutting your grass too short, as this will allow weeds or moss to root in. Apply a fertiliser to encourage growth and sow grass seeds if bare patches appear.

JUNE - AUGUST
During the summer months, you will need to mow your lawn more often. If the weather has been particularly dry, you may need to water the lawn. For best results, aerate your lawn by spiking it with a rake or using a scarifier or aerator, and then water.

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
Continue to mow your lawn as required, but raise the cutting height of your mower. Apply a winter fertiliser to help your lawn stay healthy during the winter months. Remove any fallen leaves, as they can cause disease.

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY
You should keep off the lawn, especially if it's frozen or snow has fallen. Early winter is the best time to clean and oil any garden equipment before putting it into storage. Move plants into a greenhouse or sheltered spot to protect them from frost.
When should I water my grass?

Your turf needs water when it is growing. New turf may require watering twice a day for the first week, then 2-3 times a week, then, after 3-6 weeks, once a week.

Once your turf is established, it is best to water it well before noon, so it will dry off before evening. During the spring and autumn, the turf will require much less water than the summer, and during the winter the turf does not need to be watered at all.

It is recommended that you use a sprinkler to water your turf, as hand watering is generally the least accurate.

Can I water my grass by hand?
It is recommended that you use a sprinkler to water your turf, as hand watering is generally the least accurate.
If it rains, should I still water?
If your new lawn still needs good watering, a quick rain shower may or may not be enough. You are the one who must monitor it and see. You can peel back a corner of turf to see if it has rained enough to penetrate the soil. However, even if you don’t need to water that day, use a water butt to capture the rain for another time as it can give much better results than tap water.
How long until I can walk on newly laid turf?
On average, it's ok to walk on a new turf around 3 weeks after installation. But everything depends upon weather, time of year and how well the ground was prepared. Only when the roots have penetrated the soil below and established is the 'new' lawn ready for action.
How do I know if my turf is dying?
You may see the leaves at the edge of each turf turning yellow and then brown. The grass in the middle of the turf will start to look patchy and unhealthy. Eventually the turf will die. In hot weather, unwatered turf can be completely dead within 48-72 hours.

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