Roll of Fresh Turf

Installing new turf can be a great way to improve the appearance of your property, but it’s important to take care of it properly in order to ensure that it looks good for years to come.

If you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably excited to lay down some fresh new turf in your yard. After all, nothing beats the feeling of lush green grass under your feet.

Keep reading to see how to care for your nice newly turfed lawn.

What is the Best Time of Year to Lay New Turf?

When it comes to laying new turf, timing is everything. The best time of year to lay new turf will vary depending on your location and climate, but there are a few general tips to keep in mind.

In most cases, late spring or early autumn is the ideal time to lay new turf although you can lay turf at any time of year as long as the ground isn’t frozen or baked dry and you are able to prepare the ground sufficiently.

If it is laid in summer, it needs to be watered in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening). The weather is typically milder during these times of day, which helps the turf establish itself more quickly.

Note: Avoid laying turf during the heat of summer or the cold of winter, as this can stress the new grass and make it more susceptible to disease.

How to Care for New Turf?

New turf needs regular care and attention to ensure that it remains healthy and looks its best. It’s important to give your new turf the best chance to thrive.

But before you can enjoy your new lawn, you’ll need to take care of it properly.

What You Need

After laying a new lawn, you’ll need more than just turf and a lawn mower. To get your turf off to a healthy start, you’ll need to invest in some quality tools and supplies.

Here’s a list of must-haves for any new lawn care project:

  • Turf
  • Lawn Fertiliser
  • Watering Can or Hose
  • Rake
  • Lawn Edging Tool

Step 1 – Water Your New Turf

Watering your new turf is essential to keeping it healthy and looking great, especially during hot weather. Make sure to water it once or twice a day, depending on the amount of sun it is getting.

Watering in the morning is best so that the turf has time to dry out before nightfall. You may also need to water it more often if it isn’t raining a lot or if the soil is very dry. Be sure to check the soil regularly to see if it needs more water.

Step 2 – Mow Your Turf

It’s important to keep your new turf clean and free of debris. The first cut can’t be done until the roots are well bedded into the soil, but once your turf has taken, mow frequently, at least once a week, to help it stay healthy and look its best.

When mowing, make sure to mow in different directions each time to avoid creating ruts in the turf. Also, be sure to remove any clippings from the turf after you’re done mowing. Leaving behind clippings can cause the turf to become matted and unhealthy.

Using a lawn edging tool (amazon link – opens in a new tab) will also help you keep the lawn looking great without those unsightly edges growing up over paths and borders etc.

Note: Be sure to use a sharp blade on your lawn mower to avoid damaging the turf.

Step 3 – Fertilise Your Turf

Fertilising your new turf regularly is an important part of keeping it healthy and green. There are a few things to keep in mind when fertilising new turf, such as the type of fertiliser you use, how often you fertilise, and how much fertiliser you apply.

For example, some turf grasses need more nitrogen than others. Be sure to read the label on the fertiliser you purchase to make sure you are using the correct type for your lawn.

How often you fertilise new turf will also depend on the type of grass you have. In general, it is best to fertilise new turf every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. However, some turf grasses may need to be fertilised more or less often depending on their specific nutrient needs.

Note: When applying fertiliser to new turf, it is important to apply the correct amount. Applying too much fertiliser can damage turf grass, while not applying enough fertiliser will not provide the turf grass with the nutrients it needs to be healthy.

Step 4 – Remove Weeds

Weed control is a vital part of any gardening or landscaping project. Weeds can quickly take over an area and cause problems with drainage and soil quality.

There are a number of different methods that can be used to control weeds, including chemical herbicides, and physical removal. The best approach will vary depending on the type of weed, the size of the area to be treated, or your personal preference.

One of the most important things to remember when controlling weeds is to be vigilant. Weeds can spread quickly and easily, so it’s important to stay on top of them. A little bit of preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping a weed problem from getting out of control.

Step 5 – Control Pests and Diseases

Pests and diseases can be a major problem for gardeners, causing problems with the growth and health of plants.

Gardeners need to be on the lookout for signs of pests and diseases, such as a damaged lawn with holes in which animals have been digging looking for the bugs and grubs that live beneath the surface.

Poor lawn health can also manifest itself in unusual growth patterns, and yellow or brown patches.

If you see any of these signs, it is important to take action to control the problem.

Conclusion

To ensure your new turf is looking its best, you’ll need to properly care for it. This means watering it regularly, mowing it at the correct height, and fertilising it on a regular basis. With proper care, your new turf will be the envy of the street in no time!

Garden Doctor Trev

Garden Doctor Tips

“If you use lawn fertiliser, make sure that you follow the instructions on the bottle!”

“One of the most important things you can do is ensure that the soil is well-prepped before laying the turf in the first place!”

“Do not mow the lawn for the first two or three weeks – this will give your new turf a chance to lay down and develop new roots!”

“Ensure that you keep your new turf well-watered – if you lay the new turf in warm weather and it gets too dry, you may see signs of shrinkage around the edges!”

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if new turf starts to shrink?

Shrinkage in new turf indicates that the turf has not yet taken root and it has also not received enough water. To prevent shrinkage, water well.

Why is my new turf going yellow?

It’s likely that the yellowing is caused by a lack of nitrogen or water. Nitrogen is needed for turfgrass to produce chlorophyll, which gives plants their green colour. Without enough nitrogen, the grass will start to turn yellow.

You can improve the health of your turf by adding organic matter to the soil. This will help to improve drainage and increase the number of nutrients available to the grass. You can also apply nitrogen fertiliser to boost levels of nitrogen in the soil.

Why is my new turf spongy?

It’s likely that your new turf is spongy because it isn’t fully rooted yet. New turf takes time to root, so if you’re not careful it will easily be damaged. Be sure to keep the soil moist and avoid walking on the turf until it becomes more firmly rooted.


About Me

Hi, I’m Trev and I’ve been growing things since I can remember. When I was younger, I grew up on a farm, so I have always been around plants and animals. After studying horticulture at university, I decided to start my own nursery which I have run now for 25 years. In my spare time, I run this website – which is a resource for people who want to learn more about their gardens.


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