Now we go on to the most thrilling part of making a lawn: placing the turf. You’ve already accomplished a huge step towards making your outside area a lush haven by reading this.
It’s natural to want to take a break after installing new turf and enjoy the view, but there are a few things you should keep in mind first. To assist you avoid frequent problems and guarantee the long-term survival of your lawn, this article will walk you through the crucial “don’ts” after laying turf.
Grab a cup of your beverage of choice and settle in as we discuss the critical steps you should not take and the behaviours you should not engage in immediately following the installation of your turf. If you follow the advice in this article, you can make your lawn the envy of the neighbourhood in no time.
What Is Turf Installation?
Installing rolls or squares of pre-grown grass, known as turf or sod, to create a new lawn is referred to as “turf installation,” “laying turf,” or “sodding.” Placing these mature grass segments onto the prepared soil creates an instant, usable lawn.
Turf installation normally begins with a thorough cleanup of the area to be covered, including the removal of trash, pebbles, and plants. Tilling or loosening the soil helps prepare a planting bed for new grassroots Fertility, drainage, and pH levels can all be adjusted with the use of soil additives.
Rolls or squares of grass are brought once the soil has been prepared, and they are then closely spaced out throughout the surface. To avoid gaps and produce a uniform look, the turf sections are butted up against one another. Stability and aesthetics are improved by stagger-patterning the joints between turf sections.
The turf is irrigated as soon as it is laid to facilitate soil settlement and root development. During the early establishing period, watering is essential to ensure the turf roots establish themselves in the soil. Maintenance procedures like mowing and fertilising, along with other post-installation care, are crucial to the long-term health and sustainability of your lawn.
Establishing a lush, green lawn in a short amount of time is simple and quick when you have turf installed. When an immediate, aesthetically pleasing lawn is sought, it is employed frequently in residential, commercial, and recreational settings.
What Not To Do After Laying Turf?
After a successful turf installation, there are a few things you should never do again to protect your new grass. Some crucial “don’ts” to remember are as follows:
Don’t Overwater
While watering is essential for the initial establishment of your turf, overwatering can lead to shallow root growth, disease susceptibility, and even waterlogged soil. It’s important to find the right balance and follow watering guidelines provided by your turf supplier or landscaper.
Don’t Walk Or Play On the Turf
Although it may be tempting to test out your new lawn, avoid walking or playing on it until the roots have firmly anchored into the soil. Premature foot traffic can damage delicate roots and result in uneven growth or bare patches.
Don’t Fertilize Immediately
Give your turf time to settle and establish before applying fertilizers. Applying fertilizers too soon can shock the grass and potentially burn the delicate roots. Follow the recommended timeline provided by the turf supplier or seek advice from a professional.
Don’t Mow Too Short
Avoid mowing the turf too short in the early stages. Newly laid turf needs time to develop a strong root system, and cutting it too low can stress the grass and hinder its ability to establish itself. Gradually introduce regular mowing once the grass has grown to a healthy height.
Don’t Neglect Weed Control
Weeds can quickly invade a newly laid turf, competing for vital nutrients and space. Implement proper weed control measures, such as hand-pulling or targeted herbicide application, to prevent weed infestations that could harm your lawn’s health and appearance.
Don’t Ignore Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your turf looking its best. Regularly monitor and address issues like pest infestations, diseases, and irrigation problems. Stay on top of recommended maintenance tasks, such as aerating, dethatching, and overseeding, to promote a resilient and lush lawn.
Don’t Forget About Soil Health
Pay attention to the underlying soil quality. Adequate soil preparation before turf installation is essential, but ongoing care is equally important. Monitor soil moisture, pH levels, and nutrient deficiencies to ensure optimal growing conditions for your turf.
Keep in mind that it will take time and attention to create a lawn that is healthy and flourishes. To have beautiful, vibrant, and long-lasting grass that will be the pride of your outdoor space, it is important to avoid these frequent mistakes and follow recommended practices after turf installation.
What Is The Best Fertilizer For New Turf?
Grass type, soil composition, and weather patterns are just a few of the variables that can affect which fertiliser works best for freshly laid sod. However, there are a few broad tips to keep in mind when picking a fertiliser for fresh sod:
Nitrogen (N) Content
Look for a fertilizer with higher nitrogen content, as nitrogen promotes healthy leaf and stem growth. This is particularly important for newly laid turf as it focuses on establishing a strong root system.
Phosphorus (P) And Potassium (K) Content
Phosphorus aids in root development, while potassium contributes to overall plant health and stress tolerance. A balanced fertilizer with moderate levels of phosphorus and potassium can provide essential nutrients to support turf establishment.
Slow-Release Formulation
Opt for a slow-release or controlled-release fertilizer. These types of fertilizers release nutrients gradually over an extended period, providing a steady supply of essential elements to the turf without the risk of burning or leaching excess nutrients.
Starter Fertilizers
Consider using a starter fertilizer specifically formulated for new turf. These products typically contain higher levels of phosphorus to support root growth and establishment.
Soil Test
Conduct a soil test before applying fertilizer to determine any specific nutrient deficiencies or imbalances in your soil. This information can help you select a fertilizer with the appropriate nutrient ratios to address your soil’s specific needs.
When applying fertiliser, be sure to read and adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations for proper application rates and time. Consultation with a local lawn care specialist or agricultural extension service can provide recommendations based on your area’s unique needs if you’re unsure which fertiliser will work best for your turf type and conditions.
Conclusion
The establishment and future health of fresh turf is heavily dependent on the fertiliser you choose for it. There is no universally correct response, but you can narrow down your options by thinking about things like the fertilizer’s nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels; its slow-release formulation; and its starter fertiliser.
Doing a soil test to see if there are any nutrient deficits or imbalances is always a good idea. With this knowledge in hand, you can choose a fertiliser that will help your soil grow and thrive to its full potential.
Over-fertilization, which can be harmful to the turf, should be avoided by strictly adhering to the manufacturer’s directions for application rates and time. If you’re not sure what fertiliser would be ideal for your lawn, a local lawn care specialist or agricultural extension service can help you make an informed decision based on your area’s specific needs.
If you spend the money on quality fertiliser and use it as directed, you can give your new grass the nutrition it needs to take root, flourish, and become the envy of the neighbourhood. Keep up with your routine turf maintenance and upkeep to keep your lawn looking great. Have fun developing and exploring your new lawn.
Thinking of having turf installation melbourne? Replace the old grass with new. Our expert can assist you in the installation of your new turf.