Preparing and laying your new turf

Proper preparation is the key to a thriving lawn. Follow these steps to get started on the right foot:

• Prepare the soil properly: Make sure the ground is level, free of debris, and enriched with soil conditioners or fertilisers suited for your turf type to promote a healthy root system.
• Lay the turf correctly: Lay the turf in a brick pattern, ensuring that the edges are closely butted together to avoid gaps. For different turf options like Sir Walter Buffalo, TifTuf Bermuda, and Sir Grange Zoysia, make sure you select the best one suited to your climate and soil type for a drought-tolerant lawn.

Watering your new turf effectively

How often to water new grass and when to water new turf

Watering your new turf correctly is crucial for its success. Here’s how to keep it healthy:

• Initial watering: Water immediately after laying turf. This first soak should thoroughly wet the soil beneath the turf to encourage root growth and keep the soil moist.
• When to water new turf: Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon to reduce evaporation and give the turf time to absorb moisture.
• How often to water new grass: For the first two weeks, water daily to keep the turf consistently moist. After this period, gradually reduce the frequency while increasing the depth of watering. Consistent watering is crucial for turf types like Eureka Kikuyu grass to establish well.

How many minutes to water new turf

The duration of watering sessions will vary depending on conditions. Here’s a quick guide:

• General guidelines: Watering duration can vary depending on the weather and soil type. Aim to keep the turf consistently moist, especially during the first 14 days to help your instant lawn thrive.
• Watering in cooler weather: In cooler conditions, water for about 10-15 minutes per session.
• Watering in hot weather: During warmer months, increase watering time to 20-30 minutes to ensure the soil remains moist, especially during periods of extreme heat.

Mowing your new turf

When and how to mow new turf

Mowing plays a vital role in turf care, but timing is everything. Follow these tips:

• Timing the first mow: Wait until the turf is well-rooted and has grown to about 6-8 cm before mowing for the first time. Follow our mowing lawn guide for best practices on how to mow without damaging new grass.
• Mowing height: Set your mower blades high to avoid cutting too much of the leaf blades at once. Gradually lower the blades as the grass matures.
• Regular mowing schedule: After the first mow, continue to mow regularly but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade height at a time to prevent stress on the new turf.

Fertilising your new turf

How to fertilise new turf for optimal growth

Fertilising helps your turf grow lush and strong. Here’s how to do it right:

• Initial fertilisation: Start with a light application of a balanced fertiliser about 3-4 weeks after laying the turf. This provides essential nutrients that support healthy growth and the development of a robust root system. For more specific tips, refer to our lawn fertilisation guide.
• Ongoing fertilisation: Fertilise every 6-8 weeks during the growing season to maintain turf health. Use a fertiliser specifically designed for newly laid lawns to avoid burning young grass.
• Choosing the right fertiliser: Select a fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote root growth and overall turf health for a luscious lawn.

Managing foot traffic on new turf

How to protect your new turf from damage

New turf is sensitive and needs time to establish. Here’s how to minimise damage:

• Limit foot traffic: Keep pets and people off the newly laid lawn for the first few weeks to allow the roots to establish without disturbance. 
• Creating pathways: If you need access across the lawn, temporarily lay down planks or boards to distribute weight and reduce pressure on the turf.
• Monitoring turf recovery: Check for signs of stress or damage from any unavoidable traffic and adjust care practices as needed, such as increasing watering or fertilisation.

Avoiding common mistakes when looking after new turf

Proper care is crucial for the success of your new turf, but some common mistakes can hinder its establishment and growth. Here are some pitfalls to avoid and how to address them:

• Underwatering or overwatering: New turf needs consistent moisture, but it’s important not to overdo it. Underwatering can cause the turf to dry out and fail to root properly while overwatering can lead to waterlogged soil, root rot, and fungal diseases.
  Solution: Check the moisture level regularly by lifting a corner of the turf. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions, reducing frequency as the turf begins to establish.
• Mowing too early: Mowing your turf before it’s properly established can pull up the grass and damage the delicate roots. This can delay the rooting process and lead to uneven growth.
  Solution: Wait until the turf has rooted firmly and has grown to about 6-8 cm before the first mow. Use a high blade setting initially and gradually lower it as the grass matures.
• Skipping soil preparation: Skipping or skimping on soil preparation can lead to poor root establishment, uneven growth, and a weak lawn. Soil that’s not levelled, enriched, or properly compacted can create air pockets and hinder the turf's ability to establish.
  Solution: Always prepare your soil by levelling it, removing debris, and incorporating soil conditioners or fertilisers. Proper preparation creates the ideal environment for your new turf to thrive.
• Incorrect fertilising: Applying the wrong type of fertiliser or fertilising too soon can burn the turf or cause nutrient imbalances that stress the grass. Conversely, neglecting to fertilise can result in poor growth and discolouration.
  Solution: Use a fertiliser designed for newly laid lawns and apply it 3-4 weeks after laying. To support healthy growth, follow up with regular fertilisation every 6-8 weeks during the growing season.
• Heavy foot traffic too soon: Allowing heavy foot traffic on your newly laid lawn too early can compact the soil, disrupt root establishment, and damage the grass blades. This can lead to thin or bare patches that take longer to recover.
  Solution: Limit foot traffic for the first few weeks, and if access is necessary, use planks or boards to distribute the weight and minimise damage. Keep pets and people off the turf as much as possible until it’s well established.
• Ignoring signs of stress or disease: New turf is vulnerable to stress and disease, especially during the establishment phase. Ignoring yellowing grass, wilting, or bare patches can lead to bigger problems that are harder to fix later.
  Solution: Regularly inspect your turf for signs of stress, pests, or disease. Address issues promptly by adjusting your care routine, treating pests, or consulting with a turf care expert if needed. For more detailed pest management strategies, visit our lawn pest control guide.
• Improper watering techniques: Watering inconsistently or using poor watering techniques can lead to dry patches, runoff, or wasted water. This is especially common on sloped areas or compacted soil where water doesn’t penetrate evenly.
  Solution: Use a sprinkler system or hose with a spray attachment that delivers water evenly across the lawn. Water deeply but infrequently as the turf establishes, focusing on ensuring even coverage without puddling or runoff.

• Neglecting weed control: Weeds can quickly invade a newly laid lawn, competing for nutrients and space.
  Solution: Implement a weed control strategy early on by visiting our guide on weed control to learn the best methods for keeping weeds at bay while your turf establishes.
• Not adjusting care for seasonal changes: Seasonal variations can affect how you should care for your new turf. Different seasons bring unique challenges like increased drought risk in summer or potential frost damage in winter.
  Solution: Adjust your care routine according to the season by following our seasonal maintenance guide to ensure your turf remains healthy year-round.

FAQs about how to care for new turf in Australia

How long before you can walk on new turf?

It’s best to wait at least 2-3 weeks, or until the turf has rooted firmly in the soil. This allows the roots to establish properly without being disturbed, ensuring a healthy and robust lawn.

What fertiliser should I use for new turf?

A balanced fertiliser with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium works best for promoting root growth and overall turf health. Using the right fertiliser helps your newly laid lawn establish quickly and thrive. 

How can I tell if my new turf is getting enough water?

Lift a corner of the turf to check if the soil underneath is moist. If it’s dry, increase your watering time. Maintaining consistent moisture is key to successful lawn establishment, especially in the early stages.

How do I protect my new turf from extreme weather conditions?

New turf can be sensitive to extreme weather, such as heatwave or heavy rain. During extreme heat, water more frequently to keep the soil moist and avoid mowing too short. For heavy rains, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can damage the turf.

When should I start mowing my new turf?

Begin mowing your new turf once it has reached about 6-8 cm in height and is well-rooted. Use a high blade setting initially to avoid stressing the grass. Gradually lower the mowing height as the turf matures to encourage thicker, healthier growth.

We’ll help you grow a new, strong and healthy lawn

Caring for your new turf properly will set the foundation for a beautiful, healthy lawn that lasts. By following these steps on how to look after new turf, including watering schedules, mowing tips, fertilisation, and managing foot traffic, you can ensure your turf establishes quickly and grows strong. 

For more personalised advice on setting up your lawn, check out our comprehensive guide on establishing a new lawn, or explore our lawn care resources for ongoing maintenance tips. With the right care and attention, your brand-new lawn will thrive, transforming into a luscious lawn that becomes a lush, green feature of your home.