Leslie Massey
Taking care of new turf is essential to ensure that your lawn becomes well-established. One of the most critical factors in determining how well your lawn establishes is the amount of water you give it. New turf should be watered twice or even three times a day for the first two weeks or so after it’s been laid. It is also important to avoid walking on new turf for at least four weeks after laying it. Once your lawn is well-established, you can start using fertiliser.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Watering | Water new turf immediately after it is laid and water it frequently to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out |
| Water the turf 2-3 times a day for the first two weeks | |
| Water the turf at least once a day during the first few days | |
| Use sprinklers for even coverage or a hose | |
| Water early in the morning and late at night to avoid evaporation | |
| Water more frequently in hot, dry, and windy conditions | |
| Do not flood the lawn | |
| Check if there are any water restrictions in your area | |
| Foot traffic | Avoid walking on the turf for at least four weeks after laying it |
| Mowing | Wait until the turf is rooted in the soil before mowing |
| This usually takes 14-21 days but may take longer in cooler conditions | |
| The turf is ready to mow if you cannot lift the corner of a turf roll from the ground | |
| Raise the mower's height so that only the top of the leaf blade is removed for the first mow | |
| Fertiliser | Wait around six weeks before adding fertiliser to new turf |
| Use a slow-release fertiliser that contains organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and iron | |
| Drought tolerance | Once the lawn is established, it can be trained to be drought-tolerant |
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What You'll Learn
- Watering: water new turf immediately, then twice daily for the first two weeks
- Mowing: wait until the turf is rooted in the soil before mowing
- Foot traffic: keep to a minimum for the first four weeks
- Fertiliser: wait six weeks before applying fertiliser to new turf
- Aftercare: once established, your lawn can be trained to be drought-tolerant
Watering: water new turf immediately, then twice daily for the first two weeks
Watering new turf immediately is crucial to its survival and establishment. Newly laid turf is highly dependent on surface moisture as it has yet to develop deep root systems. Watering immediately after installation helps settle the soil and ensures that moisture reaches the roots, which is vital for them to start establishing.
During the first two weeks, keeping the turf moist is crucial. It is generally recommended to water new turf at least twice a day, in the early morning and late afternoon. This frequency might need to be increased during warmer weather or on particularly hot days. The goal is to never let the turf dry out, as this can cause the edges to shrink and gaps to form.
The amount of water required will depend on the type of soil, weather, and aspect. Sandy soils drain quickly and require more frequent watering, while clay soils retain moisture longer and may only need watering less frequently. During windy weather, it is better to water little and often as wind increases soil evaporation rates, reducing the amount of moisture that reaches the roots of your lawn.
After the first two weeks, the turf will start to establish roots, and you can begin to reduce the frequency of watering. By the third week, you can normally reduce watering to once a day.
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Mowing: wait until the turf is rooted in the soil before mowing
Mowing your new turf for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it's important to wait until the turf is rooted in the soil before doing so. This usually takes 14 to 21 days, but the time it takes can vary depending on the weather conditions. In warmer months, your lawn will take root faster, while in cooler months it might take longer.
To test whether your turf is ready for its first mow, gently lift a corner of the turf. If it cannot be lifted, this means the roots have taken hold and your lawn is ready for mowing. Generally, your turf should be ready for its first mow within two to four weeks of laying it. However, it's important to be patient and let your lawn dictate the timing of that first mow.
Once your lawn is established and ready for mowing, make sure the blades of your lawnmower are sharp. Adjust the blades to the highest setting so that you remove no more than one-third of the blade. Avoid mowing if you've recently watered, as this can cause the mower to leave marks on your new lawn. As your lawn grows, you can gradually lower the blades to your preferred height.
Regular mowing will help to strengthen the root system of your new turf and encourage healthy growth. It will also help to fill in any gaps between rolls, ensuring a lush and green lawn. However, it's important to remember that mowing too soon after laying your turf can cut off the roots as they're growing and taking hold, so patience is key.
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Foot traffic: keep to a minimum for the first four weeks
When it comes to new turf, one of the most important things to keep in mind during the first four weeks is to minimise foot traffic. This is a crucial period for the turf to establish its roots and knit together to form a strong, healthy lawn. Excessive walking or running on the new turf can uproot the grass shoots and disturb the soil, hindering this process and potentially causing long-term damage.
During the first week, it's best to avoid any unnecessary foot traffic on the new turf. If you need to access a certain area, try to plan your route beforehand and stick to paths or walkways as much as possible. Any walking on the turf should be done lightly and with care. Keep children and pets off the turf during this initial period as well, as their playful activities can put a lot of stress on the young grass.
In the second and third weeks, you can allow for slightly more foot traffic, but it's still important to minimise it as much as possible. If you have children or pets, you may want to designate specific play areas or paths to guide their activities and minimise the impact on the turf. Try to avoid any sharp turns or abrupt movements that could cause the delicate grass shoots to uproot.
By the fourth week, your turf should be more established and resilient. You can start to introduce regular foot traffic, but it's still important to be mindful and avoid any excessive stress on the lawn. Keep an eye on the turf's recovery rate after each use. If you notice any areas that are struggling or showing signs of stress, reduce foot traffic in those areas to give the turf more time to recover.
Following these guidelines will help ensure that your new turf establishes a strong root system and becomes a healthy, vibrant lawn. Remember, those first four weeks are critical, and minimising foot traffic is an important part of the process. By taking these precautions, you'll be rewarded with a lush and beautiful lawn that will enhance your outdoor space for years to come.
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Fertiliser: wait six weeks before applying fertiliser to new turf
Caring for new turf in Australia requires a lot of attention and dedication. One of the most important things to remember is to wait at least six weeks before applying fertiliser to new turf. This is because using fertiliser before your lawn is properly established can cause excessive leaf growth and weaken the overall health of your lawn.
During the first six weeks, it is critical to water your new turf well and often. This will help the roots take hold properly, and failure to do so could result in poor growth or the lawn dying off in patches. New turf needs about one or two light applications of water every day, with heavier watering every second day. It is also important to keep an eye on the weather and the seasons—if it's windy, water a little more, and if it's been raining heavily, be careful not to flood your new turf.
In the first four weeks, keep foot traffic to a minimum. This will give your new lawn the best possible start. It is also recommended to wait until the turf is rooted in the soil before mowing, which usually takes 14 to 21 days, but can take longer in cooler conditions.
After six weeks, you can start to fertilise your new turf. A slow-release fertiliser is ideal, and it should contain organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and iron to nourish the soil and promote a thick, green, and healthy lawn. You can use a fertiliser spreader to easily apply the fertiliser to your lawn.
By following these instructions, you can help ensure that your new turf in Australia gets the best possible start and establishes itself into a lush and healthy lawn.
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Aftercare: once established, your lawn can be trained to be drought-tolerant
Aftercare: Training your lawn to be drought-tolerant
Once your turf is established, you can train it to be drought-tolerant. This will mean your lawn requires less watering, saving time and effort. To condition your lawn to need less water, you should water it deeply but infrequently. This will encourage a deep root system, as the roots will grow deeper into the soil in search of water. The roots will then grow below the evaporation level of the soil.
You should also mow your lawn a little higher, as the extra length will help protect the soil from too much evaporation. Aerating your lawn is another important step in improving its ability to withstand drought. Aerating will allow water to penetrate to the roots, and it will improve moisture in the soil. You can also help your lawn to absorb moisture by removing any dead thatch or other debris from its surface.
Before a long period of drought, reduce or eliminate nitrogen fertiliser and increase potassium fertiliser. Healthy, well-fed soil will help your lawn be more drought-resistant. Organic matter like grass clippings will help to minimise water loss and keep the soil cool. However, do not add too many grass clippings, as they can suffocate your lawn.
It's worth noting that many turf varieties used in Australia can handle staying in dormancy for around three to four weeks without beginning to deteriorate. So, help your lawn as best you can before and during drought conditions, but accept that it may become slightly brown and dormant until conditions improve.
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