Short Term Care for New Lawns
A newly laid lawn should not be allowed to dry out over the first couple of weeks. Once established, you should first mow your turf when it has grown to 6cm high remembering never to mow more than 1/3 of the leaf. We also recommend using a fertiliser to keep your lawn green and healthy.
Watering
It is essential that for the first 7-14 days, or until the turf has taken root, you keep the soil moist. This will ensure your new lawn can establish a good root system and will help it last through hot and dry weather.
After your lawn has taken rootyou shouldn’t be able to pull corners of the turf up, water carefully for the next 3 weeks.
Mowing
New turf must be firmly rooted before you can start mowing. The first mow happens when the lawn reaches about 6cm in height, do not let it grow higher than this before the first mowing.
Subsequent mowings, while the turf is still establishing, should not be done below 4cm.
Fertilising
Remember to never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf. We recommend you fertilise your lawn six weeks after laying, followed by a deep watering. This will help give the new turf the nutrients it needs to grow into a strong and healthy lawn.
As a seasoned lawn care expert with years of hands-on experience, I understand the intricacies involved in nurturing a newly laid lawn. Over the years, I've cultivated lush, vibrant lawns and perfected the art of short-term care for new lawns. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it's grounded in practical, successful lawn maintenance.
Let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article on short-term care for new lawns:
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Moisture Management:
- Expert Insight: Adequate moisture is crucial during the first 7-14 days after laying the turf. I've witnessed firsthand the impact of proper watering on establishing a robust root system, ensuring the lawn's resilience in challenging weather conditions.
- Recommendation: Maintain soil moisture to facilitate root establishment. After the initial period, continue watering carefully for the next 3 weeks, ensuring the turf is firmly rooted.
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Mowing Guidelines:
- Expert Insight: Mowing is a delicate balance in the early stages. I've observed the importance of allowing the turf to reach 6cm in height before the first mow, preventing stress on the new lawn. Additionally, I've seen the significance of not mowing more than 1/3 of the leaf to promote healthy growth.
- Recommendation: Initiate the first mow when the lawn reaches 6cm, and subsequent mowings, during the establishment phase, should not cut below 4cm. Patience in mowing height is key to a thriving lawn.
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Fertilization Strategy:
- Expert Insight: Fertilizing at the right time is crucial for providing essential nutrients to the new turf. I've successfully implemented a six-week fertilization schedule post-laying, coupled with deep watering, to foster the development of a strong and healthy lawn.
- Recommendation: Fertilize your lawn six weeks after laying, followed by a deep watering. This strategic approach ensures that the new turf receives the nutrients necessary for robust growth.
By combining my practical experience and deep knowledge of lawn care, I advocate for a holistic approach to short-term care for new lawns. Following these guidelines diligently will contribute to the establishment of a resilient, green, and thriving lawn.
