Few things are more satisfying than laying down a fresh, new lawn for an instant burst of greenery! Once that glorious green carpet is in place, giving it some TLC is essential to help it settle in and grow strong. If you’ve just had your lawn installed (or you’re thinking about it), we’ve put together this guide on caring for a new lawn, with plenty of tips perfect for Tassie homes.
Water Your New Turf the Right Way
Getting the watering right is one of the most critical parts of new lawn care, especially in those early days. Your turf will need a proper soak straight after it’s been laid. This helps the roots settle into the soil properly and start growing.
Even if everything looks lush and green on the surface, it’s what’s happening below that counts. You’ll need to water your lawn every day for the first two to three weeks to give it the best start. If it’s a hot or windy day, giving it a second drink in the late afternoon can make all the difference.
Once the roots have dug themselves into the soil (you can test it by trying to lift a corner — it should hold firm), you can start easing back on the watering. In most Tassie backyards, that’s usually around the three-week mark, depending on the season.
Pro Tip: Keep checking the colour and springiness of your lawn. If your footprints stay imprinted after you step across your lawn, it’s a sure sign your lawn needs a top-up of water.
Mow Your New Lawn for the First Time
When it’s finally time for your lawn’s first haircut, it’s a pretty exciting moment, but it’s important to get it right. Don’t rush in too soon. Give your new turf around 3 to 4 weeks to properly settle into the soil. You can check if it’s ready by gently tugging at a patch. If it stays put, you’re good to go. If it still lifts up, give it more time to bed in.
Read our guide on lawn mowing for more info!
Pro Tip: For that first cut, you’re only giving it a tidy-up by taking the tops off, not giving it a full chop. If you cut it too short, you can stress out the young grass.
Fertilise for Stronger, Greener Growth
When your lawn hits the six to eight-week mark, it’s the perfect time to give it a feed. Giving it the right nutrients early on is a big part of setting your lawn up for success after installation. Pick a balanced fertiliser that’s made for new lawns, one that’s packed with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (i.e. NPK). Nitrogen keeps your lawn looking green, phosphorus helps the roots dig in deep, and potassium boosts the whole lawn to stay healthy.
It’s best to fertilise just before a bit of rain if you can line it up. If there’s no rain on the cards, just give the lawn a gentle watering afterwards to help the fertiliser soak right down into the soil.
Pro Tip: A slow-release fertiliser will feed your lawn for months with little extra effort. It’s as simple as that!
Manage Weeds & Pests Early
It’s normal to see a few weeds pop up not long after your lawn has been installed, but it’s best not to go heavy with herbicides. During the first three months, your best bet is to pull out any weeds by hand. Using chemicals too soon can strain young grass unnecessarily, and you want your new lawn to settle in nicely.
Pro Tip: Try pulling weeds just after watering or rain when the soil’s soft and the roots come out easier.
Maintain Your Lawn for Long-Term Success
After those first few important weeks, your new lawn will start behaving more like an established one. But that first year is still a big deal for setting up good habits. Keep up a regular mowing schedule, adjusting your cutting height depending on the season. A slightly higher cut during Tassie’s warmer months can help protect the roots by providing extra shade. Keep an eye out for dry spells, too, and don’t forget to give your lawn a few feeds each year to keep it strong and healthy.
Pro Tip: If your lawn gets hard-packed from backyard cricket or kids running around, it might be time to aerate it after the first year. Aerating helps loosen the soil, improves water flow, and keeps your lawn nice and thick.
Trust Lawn Squad for Expert Lawn Installation Aftercare
Caring for a brand-new lawn isn’t complicated, but some advice from people who know lawns inside out can make it a whole lot easier. At Lawn Squad, we don’t just lay your turf and disappear. We’re here to guide you through the early stages, ensuring your lawn gets off to the best start and stays in great shape long-term.
Our lawn installation service includes expert lawn installation aftercare to help your new turf thrive from day one. Reach out to Lawn Squad today and we’ll help you get your lawn looking spot on!
