Newly laid lawn can be installed at any time of the year. However, during dry periods, newly laid lawn is required to be watered daily and as a guide, should be watered 3 times a week. During winter time, root growth is much slower, so establishment takes a longer period of time.
The most important thing to remember is that newly laid lawn should never be left to dry out and it is essential that it is kept moist during the establishment period. This is usually 2 weeks in duration, however factors such as the time of year, weather conditions and where you are located affects the establishment phase.
The Establishment Phase
The establishment phase occurs once the lawn sets root into the soil. To test, gently lift a corner of the slab or roll. If it proves difficult to lift then the roots have successfully set in the soil. This is terrific, as it proves that your lawn is growing well. Once establishment is occurring, you can start to reduce the frequency of watering depending on the weather and specific climate of your locale.
The aim is to arrive at the point in which you water less often but provide the lawn with a deep soaking when watering transpires. This promotes deep root systems and in due course a more self sufficient and drought resistant lawn.
While the water drains through the soil, the roots attempt to locate the water out deeper in the soil rather just waiting around near the surface, which is what will occur if you provide short, regular waterings. Lawn Company Secrets Revealed, is the ultimate guide to help you ensure that you’re making all the correct decision during this most important phase of your lawn installation.
Optimum time to water lawn
The optimum time to water your lawn is early morning or late afternoon/early evening. During these desired times, there is no wind and less possibility of water loss caused by heat evaporation. Humid areas come with their own set of challenges. Do not water in the later afternoon or early evening, as watering during these times can increase the potential of fungal diseases.
Ensure you water lawn regularly
Newly laid lawn will occasionally shrink if it has not been adequately watered. In order to avoid this problem, make sure that newly laid lawn is watered during dry periods each evening, preferably with a sprinkler. A sprinkler provides a far more even distribution of water, which is why this method of watering lawn is preferred.
When watering a particular section, a corner of the roll should be lifted, so that you can see that the water has permeated through, down to the soil. If lawn begins to dry out, its appearance and behaviour will alter. Leaf blades will begin to curl, shrivel and dry out. These signs will alert you to the fact that your lawn needs to be watered. This is why it’s highly recommended to use a sprinkler system.
Sprinkler Systems
Overhead irrigation is perceived to be the best way to water. An inexpensive and efficient method is achieved by attaching portable sprinklers to the end of a hose. This allows you to move them around the lawn as required.
A tap timer will guarantee that you don’t waste water unnecessarily by leaving water on too long. A more sophisticated method is via an in-ground pop-up irrigation system. This can be connected via a manual tap timer or a timer that is computer controlled and is therefore programmed to run as is needed.
When to mow new lawn
New lawn should be left to rest for approximately 3 weeks before walking on it. The roots require this length of time to knit into the soil below. One should not attempt to mow the lawn until the roots are securely anchored into the soil below. Just like what is advised for walking on newly laid lawn, the same length of time (3 weeks) should be allowed before mowing the new lawn.
After the lawn has been mowed and it is established, the frequency of watering the lawn can be reduced, possibly to once a week during warmer months.
Fertilizing lawn
Weeds are a common nuisance and must be addressed. To avoid these nasties, it’s recommended that you fertilize your lawn 3-4 times per year, as this will ensure the health and thickness is maintained. In the event that weeds have become unruly, a weed killer may be sprayed on the lawn. The recommended type of product is based on a couple factors, namely the type of lawn and the kind of weeds.
A nursery or hardware store is a good place to receive accurate information but instead of having to consult multiple places, the Lawn Company Secrets Revealed will explain the entire lawn installation process and answer all of your questions thoroughly and accurately.
Tips for installing new lawn
1. New lawn should be delivered on the day you plan to install it. It’s also necessary to check the weather forecast, as the heat will dry out your new lawn, so if it’s a warm day, plan an early start.
2. A reasonable amount of underlay must first be leveled and then a starter fertilizer should be
3. Applied, as it will encourage deeper root growth and support the lawn during the establishment phase.
4. If lawn is being laid on a slope, it’s important to start at the bottom. Place rolls or slabs of lawn around the perimeter of the area and lay between the perimeter. Stagger the joints in a brickwork style in order to avoid erosion and to avoid gaps. Lawn can dry out and a patchy lawn is what will result.
One of the most important tips for installing your new lawn is to consult an expert in lawn installation, which can easily be achieved via Lawn Company Secrets Revealed. In the ‘bible’ for lawn care business owners, you will be armed with the most up to date and relevant industry news and everything you require for successful lawn installation.
