How to care for a new lawn

Starting a new lawn is an investment and the first weeks are critical. Consistent watering, careful mowing and proper feeding are key to strong roots and even growth. 

Watering a newly sown lawn 

Newly sown lawns are vulnerable to drying out. Consistent moisture during germination and early establishment is critical. If the seed dries out at this stage, it won't recover and the lawn will be patchy.

• Lightly cover the seed with a layer of Tui LawnForce® Preparation Mix to ensure contact with the soil.
• Water immediately after sowing to settle the soil and seed.
• Keep the surface constantly moist until seedlings emerge.
• Water once or twice daily, ideally early morning and late afternoon.
• Using a sprinkler water for 10-15 minutes per watering or until the water starts pooling on the surface. Take care not to overwater as the seed will wash away.

Once the grass is visible and growing:

• Gradually reduce watering to 2-3 times per week.
• Water more deeply to encourage roots to grow downwards.
• Avoid letting the soil dry out completely in the first 4-6 weeks.
• Once the lawn is 4-6 weeks established reduce watering further depending upon rainfall, weather conditions and soil type.

Mowing new lawns

Lawns will appear patchy in the first few weeks of growth but thicken up over time. A higher mower setting encourages strong root growth.

• Once the grass reaches 5-7cm in height and the tips start to curl over, it's time to mow on the highest setting for the first 3-4 cuts to encourage thickening and strong root development.
• Use a catcher to collect grass clippings so not to smother the new grass.
• Mowing heights: Once established, in summer mow the lawn at 5cm high, and in winter lower the setting to 3cm.  

Feeding new lawns

Fertilise lawns from spring through to autumn when grass is actively growing.

• Each small seed capsule contains enough ‘food’ for the germinating seed for up to 10 weeks so fertiliser application at the time of sowing is not essential.
• If adding a fertiliser when sowing seed, use Tui LawnForce® New Lawns, it's a low nitrogen formulation which encourages strong root growth through stimulating soil microbial activity and is safe on newly sown lawns.
• Once the lawn is 14-16 weeks established apply Tui LawnForce® All Purpose - a balanced fertiliser for healthy growth, feeding for up to 12 weeks.