How to Care for New Turf in the First 4 Weeks

New turf looks finished the day it is laid, but for the first few weeks it is still putting roots down into the soil underneath. How you look after it during this time decides how good your lawn looks for years to come.

Week 1: keep it moist

Water every day, ideally early in the morning, so the turf and the soil just below it stay moist. In hot or windy weather you may need to water twice a day. Lift a corner of a roll now and then: the soil underneath should feel damp, not dry or soggy. Keep foot traffic off the lawn as much as possible.

Week 2: start to stretch it out

As the roots begin to grip, water a little less often but more deeply, so roots are encouraged to grow downwards. Continue to avoid heavy use.

Weeks 3 and 4: first mow

Give the turf a gentle tug. If it resists, the roots have taken hold and you can do the first mow, usually around two to three weeks in the warmer months and longer in winter. Use a high mower setting and never remove more than a third of the leaf height at once. Water deeply every few days rather than lightly every day.

Feeding your new lawn

Most new turf benefits from a lawn fertiliser about four to six weeks after laying, once it is well established. Follow the product instructions and water it in well.

Signs to watch for

• Gaps opening between rolls or edges turning brown: the turf is drying out, so water more.
• Yellowing or a spongy feel: it may be getting too much water, so ease off.
• Uneven colour in one area: check that your irrigation or sprinkler reaches that spot.

If something does not look right, send us a photo. We are always happy to help our clients get their new lawn established.