How To Irrigate Just Installed Grass?

Watering new turf daily for 2-4 weeks after it has been laid is crucial for its long-lasting appearance. It is essential to ensure that the water filters through into the soil beneath it and that the roots take hold properly. Watering the new lawn twice a day for the first week, then 2-3 times a week, and then once a week after 3-6 weeks is recommended.

To prevent the turf from drying out, it is recommended to use a sprinkler to water each area for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, twice a day. For large areas of fresh turf, a built-in irrigation system is recommended to ensure even soaking and constant moisture. Watering less and less frequently over the next 28 days is also important. Water the lawn lightly 3 times a day and avoid watering at night as this can increase the risk of disease in the lawn.

During the summer months, water the lawn twice daily and try to avoid the mid-afternoon sun. If the weather is very hot for a prolonged period, water it straight away, ensuring that the soil is damp to a depth of 100mm. After finishing the turfing process, aim to keep the turf and the soil healthy and green.

In summary, watering a newly laid lawn is essential for its long-lasting beauty and health. To ensure proper watering, consider using a soil conditioner when preparing the ground for turfing and planning ahead to prevent the turf from drying out.

Should you roll newly laid turf?

1. Prepare the ground thoroughly by rotavating, raking, and leveling it. Remove any stones or roots to ensure a better lawn in the future.
2. Buy turf at the last minute to avoid deterioration and potential damage. If not laid immediately, unroll it and give it a good watering to keep it alive.
3. Stagger joints like brickwork to blend in and reduce lines and shrinking. Avoid leaving small pieces at the ends of the turf.
4. Plan your layout by starting at the far end and working back towards the way out to prevent walking over previously laid areas.
5. Lightly roll the turf after laying to help roots achieve soil contact and make their way into the ground quickly.
6. Leave the lawn undisturbed for the first few days to allow new grass to grow new roots into the soil.
7. Keep the new lawn watered, ideally from rain but using a sprinkler to keep it moist while bedding in.
8. Arrange professional aftercare to prevent problems such as fungal diseases, pests, and soil shift. A professional lawn care technician can help keep your new lawn looking great for years to come.

To avoid terrible turf, sow grass seed. Turfing is often considered the easy way to a new lawn, but it is more expensive and may not yield a decent result in the long run. With grass seed, you know exactly which grass you are laying, leading to better results in the long run.

How to fill gaps between new turf?

A mixture of sand, soil, or garden compost should be spread onto the lawn, brushed into the joints, in order to fill gaps and facilitate the rapid establishment of turf. This is particularly important for filling small gaps.

What not to do when laying turf?

To ensure proper turf care, avoid using a roller on freshly laid turf, push it into a joint, and avoid stretching turves by pulling them. Allow turf to dry out and remove existing grass before laying new turf. Laying turf on existing grass can prevent rooting and weeds from coming through. Addressing the reason for relaying the lawn is crucial to prevent deterioration over time. Lay turf as soon as it is delivered to avoid compaction and ensure a healthy lawn.

Why is my newly laid turf turning brown?

Waterlogged lawns can lead to root rot, which can cause the blades to turn yellow and brown. Understanding the root causes is crucial for rejuvenating your lawn’s health. Lawn diseases, often underestimated, can manifest as discolored patches of turf. Small spots that expand into circles or irregular patches may indicate a disease. Rust, a fungal disease, emerges when your lawn experiences slowed growth, typically in late summer or early autumn. It weakens your lawn’s resilience, and identifying early signs, such as yellowing leaf blades and small spots, is crucial for effective management.

Can you lay turf straight onto soil?

To ensure the best results for your lawn, it is recommended to lay turf on good quality, prepared topsoil at least 15cm (6 inches) deep. If the topsoil is shallow or poor quality, it is advised to add more soil before laying turf. The Turfonline team recommends Grade 1 screened topsoil or Enriched lawn soil to improve existing soil. Wildflower turf should be installed on low fertility soil. To assess the quality of your garden topsoil, simple tests can be done at home. Laboratory tests are not necessary to determine the nutrient levels of soil.

Should you put sand under turf?

Turf on sand requires preparation due to its high drainage rate, which can wash away nutrients. To improve the soil, organic materials like peat, manure, or compost can be added. Green roofs, made of grass or plants, are becoming popular due to their insulation and rainwater absorption benefits. However, before laying a lawn on your roof, ensure your roof is strong enough to bear the load and that the grass needs at least 150mm of growing medium for rooting. Remember that all ground-based tasks, including cutting and watering, must be done in the air. If this is not feasible or safe, wildflowers may be a better option for a green roof.

How long does new turf take to root?

When can I walk on my new lawn? The best time to walk on a lawn depends on the time of year. In spring and summer, grass grows rapidly, causing roots to rot quickly. In winter, growth slows down, but in summer, it’s essential to mow the lawn before it gets too long. Mowing should start as soon as the turf sticks to the soil, as long as it’s well anchored by roots. If the lawn is left to grow too long, it will look sparse and stalky, taking time to recover and thicken.

For the first cut, ensure the mower is set at a height to just top the grass. Never remove more than 25 of the total plant to prevent stress and reduce the quantity of clippings. Mow at least twice weekly during late spring, once a week during summer (if dry), and early autumn, and approximately every ten days in mid to late autumn. This should be flexible to suit our varied weather conditions.

Mowers should be well-maintained and sharp, as improper maintenance can damage the grass and leave it frayed at the ends, making the lawn unsightly.

What to do after laying new turf?

This blog discusses the importance of caring for a new lawn after it is laid. It outlines five rules for maintaining the lawn: water regularly, never let the ground dry out, keep the grass off until it has rooted in, mow little and often once the grass is growing well, top up soil nutrient levels to encourage strong root growth, and don’t allow fallen leaves or debris to accumulate on the lawn. These rules help ensure the lawn performs as well as it can and help you get your investment off to a good start. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your new lawn performs as well as it can.

How long not to walk on new turf?

It is recommended that newly laid lawns be walked on for approximately three weeks to allow for optimal establishment. Following a period of two weeks, the lawn will begin to develop shallow roots. By the six-week mark, the lawn will have fully established itself in its new location.

How do I know if my new turf is dying?

Dry edges and gaps are common problems in new turf, as they indicate inadequate watering. The edges of each slab, which are the first to dry out, can turn yellow and cause gaps between them. If left untreated, this can lead to shrinkage, gaps that require topsoil filling, and increased weed susceptibility. Dry edges are easy to address, but it’s crucial to maintain a strict watering schedule and remember the simple advice: water more if in doubt. By addressing these issues, you can ensure your lawn is well-watered and resistant to weeds.

What to do after installing turf?

Water new turf daily for the first four to six weeks to help roots take hold and prevent drying. Use sprinklers for even coverage, but a hose for a more even approach. Check underneath the turf to ensure it’s wet by lifting an edge to see if the soil is wet. If it’s not, water to wet leaf blades. After four to six weeks, check a few areas to see if the lawn has taken. If the corner can’t be easily lifted, the lawn is starting to establish, so reduce watering. In times of water restrictions, check with your water supplier or local council for exemptions.