If you’ve invested in a new lawn from turf or seed you’ll be wanting to start using it ASAP. One of the questions we’re often asked is “How soon can I use my new lawn?”. Here are our top tips.
Don’t rush, wait until your new turf is really well established or your seed is growing strongly
Establishment depends on the season, the weather and how well the ground is prepared
Keep traffic very light for the first 3-4 months. It’s OK to walk on the grass occasionally but it won’t be ready for football just yet
Speed up establishment by adding a pre-turfing feed to the soil before laying turf or sowing seed.
How long does it take turf to settle?
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. Even then, I don’t recommend letting the local rugby team loose on it – not just yet. Leave it to stabilise. After one or two gentle mows, and then it should be ready to go.
The first few weeks are critical – the more carefully you look after it, the better it will repay you in the months and years ahead. Of course, once established it still needs a good basic care programme. Be sure to water plenty, and if you need any equipment such as a sprinkler or hosepipe, TurfOnline’s store has exactly that in abundance. If all you’re used to doing is mowing, you’ll need to learn a few new tricks, but it’s not difficult – and the payback is a strong and healthy lawn all year round.
Products that can help…
How long before I can use my newly seeded lawn?
For a spring sowing, I recommend waiting 8-12 weeks before walking on the grass.
A seeded lawn takes much longer to mature than turf. Until your grass has a strong root system, I would advise not walking on it any more than necessary. You may have green shoots but that doesn’t mean your grass is “done”.
I'm an avid lawn care enthusiast with years of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of cultivating and maintaining lush, healthy lawns. My expertise extends from selecting the right type of grass and soil preparation to nurturing the growth of both seeded and turfed lawns. I've witnessed firsthand the challenges and successes associated with establishing a new lawn and can provide valuable insights based on practical experience.
In the provided article, the author touches upon several crucial concepts related to the establishment and care of a new lawn. Let's break down the key points:
Establishment of New Turf or Seed:
The author emphasizes the importance of not rushing the use of a new lawn.
The timeline for establishment depends on factors such as season, weather, and ground preparation.
Light traffic is recommended during the initial 3-4 months to avoid damaging the developing turf or seedlings.
Speeding up establishment is suggested by adding a pre-turfing feed to the soil before laying turf or sowing seed.
Timeline for Using New Turf:
On average, it's acceptable to walk on a new turf around 3 weeks after installation.
The readiness of the lawn for more intensive use is contingent on factors like weather, time of year, and ground preparation.
Full readiness is achieved when the roots have penetrated the soil and the turf is well-established.
Care for New Lawns:
The initial weeks are critical for the long-term health of the lawn, requiring careful attention.
Gentle mowing is recommended after stabilization, followed by the gradual introduction of regular lawn care practices.
Basic care includes consistent watering, and TurfOnline’s store is mentioned as a resource for equipment like sprinklers or hosepipes.
Products and Tools:
The article suggests the use of specific products, such as pre-turfing feed for soil preparation and equipment like sprinklers and hosepipes for watering.
Newly Seeded Lawns:
For spring-sown lawns, the author recommends waiting 8-12 weeks before walking on the grass.
Seeded lawns take longer to mature compared to turf, and it's crucial to avoid unnecessary walking on the grass until a strong root system is established.
Additional Information:
The article provides links to additional resources on caring for a new lawn, a comparison between seeding and turfing, and guidelines for mowing a new lawn for the first time.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article reflects a comprehensive understanding of the nuances involved in establishing and caring for a new lawn, and the advice is grounded in practical experience and expertise.
Newly seeded areas should be restricted from foot traffic for a least a month after the seed has germinated or until the new lawn has been mowed at least a couple of times.
Depending on the exact conditions and the time of year we plant, it can take anywhere from three months to a year from the day a lawn is seeded until it's fully grown in. A lot goes on in that time, but it can be frustrating if you don't know what to expect when.
Before applying broadleaf weed control to newly seeded grass, you must wait until the newly sprouted grass has been mowed three times or wait at least 30 days, whichever time frame is longer.
With new grass seed, the aim is to keep the soil moist. Waterlogged soil will suffocate the new seeds. It is best to water the grass seedlings 2 to 3 times a day for about 5 to 10 minutes each time.
As long as the soil where your turf is being laid has been properly prepared, your fresh new lawn will take about 2 weeks to grow shallow roots and up to 6 weeks to be fully settled. How fast it roots depends on many factors including the type of turf, soil conditions, the weather etc.
Take it slow and gentle with your watering after planting grass. Give your grass seedlings a gentle 10-minute shower every morning and again at midafternoon. If you don't have a sprinkler system, make sure to control your watering so as not to cause flooding.
One of the most effective ways to get your grass to grow quickly is to fertilize right after you plant. For use on all grass types, reach for Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass, which helps grass grow up to 70 percent thicker and 35 percent more quickly (vs. unfed).
Some grasses spread quickly by sending out runners. Other types of grass don't spread as fast. Either way, cutting grass encourages it to put it's energy into roots and new shoots instead of height.This will help your grass to both spread and thicken.
Mowing new grass helps it grow by prompting the grass to spread and come in thick. It also prompts the roots to grow stronger and deeper. You should wait until the new seed has grown and rooted before mowing, usually about 8 weeks. If you plant sod, wait 2 to 3 weeks.
Tough as it is, the battle with weeds is worth winning. Besides being unsightly, weeds can choke out the growth of new grass and other plants. The trick to great lawn care is killing weeds without destroying your healthy grass.
In most cases, however, a high-phosphorus starter fertilizer like 10-10-10, 20-10-10, or 16-8-8 should do the trick. Whatever you decide, make sure the product you're using is suitable for the type of grass you're planting. Pro tips: If you want to sow seeds, ensure the nitrogen and phosphorus levels are balanced.
Kill weeds and any remaining poor-looking grass with a non-selective herbicide about 2 weeks before you want to seed your lawn. After everything is completely dead, rake the area to remove the debris. 3. Select your grass seed.
Normally a lawn should be watered deeply but infrequently, but when you are watering for new grass seed, you must water every day. Set automatic timers for about 5 to 10 minutes, early in the morning, and again at mid-day. Watering done by hand or hose-end sprinklers must be consistent and evenly applied.
This is how long it will take to actually see the grass growing. Until this point, the seed, or the soil and mulch in contact with the seed, must stay moist.
It's important to mow new grass at the right time to avoid costly mistakes. For example, if you mow too soon, you could remove your grass by the roots and negate all that hard work. If you need a hand determining when to mow, consult a lawn mowing service for expert advice.
In conclusion, consistent watering is crucial for the growth and survival of grass seed. While newly planted seeds can survive for one day without water, it's best to maintain a regular watering schedule to ensure optimal germination and growth.
However, if you did not have any existing grass and this is a new lawn installation we recommend that you keep heavy equipment and foot traffic off the areas that had seed spread for the first six weeks. After that time you can begin mowing the grass.
Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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