Get started on a new lawn

When establishing a healthy new lawn, you need everything on your side to achieve success. As fading summer heat provides cooler air, soils retain warmth making for an excellent combination for establishing a new lawn from seed or turf. Ideal weather conditions alone won’t achieve your new lawn; it must be combined with correct soil preparation to create the foundation for long term growth. 

Before you start

1. Whether grown from seed or turf, both new lawns require similar soil preparation. Lawns don’t need to be perfectly flat, but soil should be level enough to prevent low spots where water can pool.

2. Measure your area and over orderslightly, about 10–15% extra for seed or 5–10% for turf, to allow for trimming, shaping and uneven coverage.
   
    

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When deciding between turf and seed, consider speed and cost: turf gives an instant, ready-to-use lawn at a higher price, while seed is slower to establish and requires patience, yet is far more budget-friendly. 

 

How to grow your new lawn from turf

STEP 1:

Remove all existing weeds and plant material. Hand weed or apply a non-selective herbicide containing glyphosate. Once the weeds have died back in 2–4 weeks, dig them out and clear the area before planting.

STEP 2:

Remove rocks, rubble and sticks,then rake and level the area so there are no hills or hollows.

STEP 3:

Spread a turf underlay at least to 15cm, using a screed or rake to level it, then water it in.

STEP 4:

Apply an organic lawn food evenly over the underlay.

STEP 5:

Order quality turf from an accredited supplier and be ready to lay it as soon as it’s delivered. Lay the rolls in parallel rows and gently press or walk on the turf to ensure good contact with the soil.

STEP 6:

Water thoroughly and keep soil consistently moist until the roots are well established. This process can take 2–3 months. Avoid heavy foot traffic during this time.

Fast-growing couch or kikuyu is ideal for lawns that get heavy foot traffic. Fido approves!

Your on-going care

1. Whether sowing seed or laying turf lawns must be kept consistently moist.

2. During very hot weather, watering 2–3 times a day may be necessary. Seeds that dry out for even a short time risk failing to germinate.

3. Turf needs a consistently moist root zone to establish. During this time, roots grow into the soil and rhizomes (horizontal grass stems) spread to ‘knit’ the lawn together. This process can take 2–3 months.

4. Mow once turf has knitted,while this can take 2–3 months, you can start checking after 8–9 weeks by gently trying to lift the grass. If there’s no ‘give', mowing is safe. Fertilise both seed-sown and turf lawns after about two months to support healthy growth.

Spread seed uniformly over the soil to encourage even growth.

How to grow your new lawn from seed

1. Sowing from seed is a cost effective way to establish new turf, with a wide range of varieties suited to different climates, light conditions and lawn uses.

2. Choose quality seed from professional suppliers, and look for packaged mixes that include slow-release fertiliser to give young seedlings a strong start.

3. Run a hard-tined rake over the soil surface before sowing to create shallow channels for the seed to settle into.

4. Spread seed evenly by hand or witha seed spreader, then water gently with a fine mist to prevent runoff, repeating twice daily in hot weather. Seeds typically germinate within 6-8 days.

A healthy green lawn can cool your home, reduce rain runoff and even give nearby treesa drink. Plus, it saves water when watered properly.

Seedstypically germinatein 6-8 days but can take up to 12 weeks to become fully established.