When you lay new turf its root system isn’t established yet so it relies on the water you put in. This turf tip highlights some new turf problem areas that sometimes get overlooked by new lawn owners.
Dry edges and gaps
The most common new turf problem area is the edges of slabs. Dry edges are a very common sign you are not watering your new turf enough. The edges are the first to dry out, and while the slab is green in the middle the edges can turn yellow.
If you don’t use this warning sign to water more the problem can get much worse. A common repercussion of not taking action is gaps between the slabs.
You may have butted up your slabs nice and tight when you put them down, but letting the slabs dry out will cause shrinkage. This can lead to gaps that will eventually require topsoil to fill in.
While dry edges are one of the most common new turf problem areas, they are also one of the easiest to deal with. Keep the water up to a strict watering schedule. And remember the simple motto: if in doubt, water more!
Corners the sprinkler doesn’t reach
A less common new turf problem area is corners that dry out. Many people use traditional sprinklers, and sometimes there is an area the sprinkler doesn’t reach. Alternatively it can also be an area that gets some water but not as much as other areas.
This can lead to an area drying out horribly like in the photo here. This is a new turf problem area is a case of prevention is best cure. Because if you let an area get neglected like this it may never come back.
To prevent corners that dry out ensure all areas are getting a deep watering. If you are using a traditional circular sprinkler ensure you move it around enough to cover all areas. If you are using a soaker hose or similar ensure there are no trick areas getting some water, but not a deep watering.
Small pieces cut in
Unless your lawn is a perfect square or rectangle you will end up with odd shaped areas that will require smaller pieces of turf to be cut in. These small pieces are another new turf problem area, they can often struggle and dry out first. Much like the corners the small pieces really need a preventative approach.
If you have small pieces cut in for certain spaces ensure these get extra water. Pay really close attention to these pieces and if you see any slight sign of drying out, pump in the water. They really need to be closely monitored.
This same tip goes for patches you cut in to replace a hole in an existing lawn. Full slabs are better able to draw in and share water, while the small pieces struggle. So if you patch in a small area really pump the water in while it establishes.
Concrete paths and other hard surfaces
The final new turf problem area to be aware of is concrete paths and other hard surfaces. Especially with the weather warming up concrete paths and hard surfaces can really draw in and hold the heat of the day. This often dries out the soil close to it.
When laying new turf next to concrete paths and hard surfaces it is important to be aware of this and act accordingly. You should water more in areas like this to offset any extra drying out from the residual heat these hard surfaces hold.
By paying close attention to these hard surfaces and the other problem areas, you can prevent many ever arising. As always at the first signs your lawn needs water it is important to get water in quickly to prevent drying out.
During establishment your lawn is reliant on regular deep watering as its roots are not yet imbedded in the soil to draw in other moisture. So keep the watering up, and keep an eye on the these new turf problem areas.
To get more advice on new turf problem areas or to order your new turf call our team on (07) 3114 8230. You can also to pop in and order in person at our sales office on 1/243 Bradman Street, Acacia Ridge. The office opens Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm and Saturday 7am to 12pm.
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