Laying new turf is an exciting step toward creating a beautiful, healthy lawn. However, the work doesn’t stop once the turf is down! Proper post-lay care is essential to ensure your new lawn establishes well, grows strong, and thrives. At Advanced Lawn Supplies, we want to help you set your lawn up for long-term success. Follow these key post-turf lay care steps to give your new grass the best possible start.
1. Watering Your New Turf
One of the most important aspects of post-lay care is watering your new turf properly. Freshly laid turf needs plenty of water to help it establish roots in the soil.
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Initial Watering: After laying your turf, water it thoroughly so that the soil beneath it is moist. This helps the roots settle and encourages them to grow into the soil.
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Ongoing Watering: For the first few weeks, water your new turf daily (or as often as needed, depending on the weather) to keep it consistently moist. In hot weather, you may need to water twice a day to ensure the turf doesn’t dry out. The key is to keep the soil moist, not waterlogged.
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Gradually Reduce Watering: As your turf begins to establish roots (typically after about 3 weeks), you can start to reduce the frequency of watering. Gradually transition to watering a few times a week, depending on the weather and the grass variety.
2. Mowing Your New Turf
Once your turf has settled in and has been watered regularly, you can start mowing. However, be careful not to mow too soon.
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Wait Until It’s Rooted: You should wait until the turf has established roots before mowing, which generally takes about 2 to 3 weeks. To test if the roots have taken hold, try gently lifting a corner of a patch. If it lifts easily, it’s not ready. If it resists, it’s safe to mow.
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First Mow: When you do mow, make sure your mower blades are sharp, and avoid cutting too much off in one go. Trim no more than a third of the grass height during the first mow to avoid stressing the new turf. Keep your mower on a higher setting for the first few months to encourage strong root growth and a thick, healthy lawn.
3. Fertilising Your New Lawn
Fertilising is an essential step in supporting your turf’s growth, but it’s important to wait until the turf has had time to settle before applying fertiliser.
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Timing: Wait about 4-6 weeks after laying your turf before applying any fertiliser. This allows the roots to establish and the grass to begin growing. Applying fertiliser too soon can stress the turf and potentially damage it.
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Fertiliser Type: Choose a slow-release, balanced fertiliser designed for new lawns. This will provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium without overwhelming your young grass. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount to apply, and avoid over-fertilising, as this can lead to burnt patches.
4. Avoid Heavy Traffic
Your newly laid turf needs time to establish itself, so try to avoid heavy foot traffic during the early stages.
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Limit Activity: For the first few weeks, try to keep people, pets, and heavy equipment off the lawn as much as possible. Heavy traffic can disrupt the delicate root system that is trying to establish in the soil.
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Pathways: If you need to walk across your new lawn, create temporary pathways with stepping stones or boards to minimise damage. This allows your turf to stay undisturbed while you go about your activities.
5. Weeding and Pest Control
While your turf is getting established, it’s important to keep an eye out for weeds and pests that might interfere with its growth.
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Weeding: New turf may be more susceptible to weed growth as it takes root. If you spot any weeds, remove them manually before they spread. Avoid using chemical weed killers during the first few weeks, as they can harm your new grass.
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Pest Control: Keep an eye out for pests such as grubs or insects that may damage your turf. If you notice signs of pest damage, consult with a lawn care expert to determine the best way to treat the issue without harming your grass.
6. Regular Lawn Care Routine
As your turf matures and establishes itself, it’s essential to develop a regular lawn care routine to keep it looking its best.
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Mowing Frequency: As your lawn grows, mow it regularly to keep it tidy and to promote healthy growth. Depending on the grass variety, you may need to mow once a week or bi-weekly.
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Watering Adjustments: Over time, you’ll want to reduce the frequency of watering. Once your turf is established, you can typically water less often but more deeply to encourage deep root growth.
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Aeration: Once your lawn is fully established (usually after 6 months to a year), you may want to consider aerating it to improve soil health and root growth, especially if your soil tends to compact.
Final Thoughts
Post-turf care is essential for giving your new lawn the best start possible. By following these simple steps—proper watering, mowing, fertilising, limiting traffic, and staying on top of weeds and pests—you’ll soon have a lush, healthy lawn that you can be proud of. At Advanced Lawn Supplies, we’re here to support you through the entire lawn care process, from choosing the right turf to ensuring it thrives. Contact us today for advice or to explore our range of turf and lawn care products!