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A freshly laid turf lawn can turn the dream of a lush, green garden into reality. While turf is generally low-maintenance, it can sometimes show signs of trouble. In this post, you’ll learn how to properly care for your new lawn and avoid common issues like brown patches or moss.
The Four Pillars of Turf Maintenance
There’s nothing better than when friends and neighbors admire your vibrant green lawn as much as you do. With instant turf, you can enjoy a neat lawn right from the start. But especially in the beginning, even turf can reveal its downside—brown patches, yellowing areas, or moss growth.
Here’s how to prevent and fix these issues effectively.
The 4 pillars of fresh turf care are:
- Watering
- Mowing
- Scarifying
- Fertilizing
Watering – The A to Z of Turf Care
The most crucial part of turf maintenance is watering. Right after laying the turf and during hot summer days, your new lawn is particularly thirsty. Proper watering means deep and infrequent, rather than a light sprinkle every day.
Tip: Water thoroughly for several hours twice a week to help roots grow deep and strong.
Once your turf has settled, adjust watering according to weather conditions. And always avoid watering under direct midday sun—it can cause more harm than good.
Mowing – A Stylish Trim for Your Lawn
Your turf should get its first trim about seven days after installation.
Avoid mowing in the midday heat or when the lawn is soaked, as this can damage the turf. Once your lawn is established, aim to mow once a week to keep it looking fresh and healthy.
Scarifying – The Lawn’s Well-Deserved Massage
Over time, your lawn endures everything from harsh weather to weeds and moss. That’s why scarifying is essential.
Scarifying removes thatch and moss, allowing your turf to breathe and absorb nutrients more effectively. Do this once a year, ideally on a dry, overcast day in spring or autumn.
Fertilizing – The Fountain of Youth for Your Lawn
We all wish we had a fountain of youth—your lawn actually can.
Fertilize your turf several times a year to give it the nutrients it needs. In spring, your lawn needs growth-boosting and greening nutrients. In autumn, it requires a different mix to strengthen it for winter.
After scarifying, fertilizing is particularly effective. Just like with watering, it’s important to water thoroughly after applying fertilizer so the nutrients are fully absorbed.
Conclusion: Turf Care Basics
Things can go wrong with a turf lawn—but unfortunately, it can’t tell you what’s wrong. Now that you know the 4 key elements of turf care, you can spot issues early and take action.
Watering, mowing, scarifying, and fertilizing might sound simple, but they’re the foundation of a healthy, green lawn. And now, you can proudly say you’ve mastered the ABC of turf maintenance.