Lawn Tips

This is especially important if difficult to control grass weeds such as kikuyu, paspalum or twitch are present.

The root zone needs to be tilled to allow the turf roots to penetrate.

Use a good quality lawn mix soil not garden compost.

The final surface should be firm, leaving a footprint but no indentation.

Remove rocks, roots and large clods.

Begin laying along the longest straight edge.
Always lay in a straight line, don’t try to bend the turf around a curve.
Stagger the turf in a brick like pattern. Press the turf edges and ends together without stretching.
Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges, they will not retain moisture.
Cut the ends off using a sharp knife. It is a good idea to stand on boards as you lay the lawn to avoid disturbing the prepared lawn bed.
Water the lawn as instructions below.
Keep off the new laid lawn.

Water the lawn immediately after laying within 30 minutes in hot weather.
The amount of water must be sufficient to soak through the turf and into the soil below.
Water your new lawn daily, or more often if needed, to keep the turf moist until it is well rooted (about 2-3 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering is appropriate.
Lawns also need air in the soil for the roots to survive so watering does not mean drowning the soil and lawn.

Don’t water unless conditions are unusually dry – moisture levels in winter are generally sufficient for the turf to establish without extra watering.
If conditions are hot and dry when the turf is laid then ensure that the turf is kept moist without over doing it.

Commence mowing 14 – 21 days after the lawn is laid. In the days before mowing reduce irrigation to ensure the ground is firm underfoot.
Cut off 1/3 of the length and remove the clippings. Mow every 4 – 6 days in the first month and then weekly.
The mowing height should initially leave the grass on the long side. Then reduce to an approximate height of 25mm for ROLAWN Fine Turf Rye and 35mm for ROLAWN All Seasons Tall Fescue.
In hot dry weather it is desirable to leave the grass 5-10 mm longer which helps it cope with the heat and retain moisture.

Begin feeding your lawn about a month after laying the growth rate will slow and the lawn will begin to lose colour indicating it is time for a feed.
Only use quality pelletised fertiliser such as ROLAWN Lawn Food.
Apply 3-4kg / 100 sq metres lawn.
Reapply fertiliser about every 2 months, if the lawn is lush and has good colour the feed can be delayed. However, but if the soil is poor and the lawn unthrifty then feed more frequently.