Step 1 – Select the Best Seed
Be sure that you have selected the best seed, or turf for your particular area. Check with a gardening or lawn care expert to find out their recommendations. They will need to know how much sunlight or shade your yard has and just what you intend for your lawn after it is successfully started. In addition they will need to know just how much work you want to do in order to maintain your new lawn. Different grasses are suited to different needs and simply buying the cheapest in the beginning may have large costs to correct later.
Step 2 – Prepare the Soil
Take the time to properly prepare the soil for your new lawn. Again, scrimping here may lead to larger costs later. Get a soil analysis done to find out what you need to make it more fertile. You won’t be able to change this after your grass begins to grow without starting all over again.
Step 3 – Choose the Right Time
Be sure and choose the right time of year to plant for your area. Generally this will be in the fall, whether you are using seed or sod. Unlike seed, Sod can be used when it becomes available from the local supplier even in the wintertime. Keep in mind that if you plant during the summer time your new lawn, will require much more water. Seeding is done by many in the spring, but along with your new grass comes a load of new weeds as well. If you seed in the summer you are also subject to increased chances of disease affecting your new grass as well as the affect of the summer heat on your new grass.
Step 4 – Water Correctly
Correct watering is essential to your new lawn. If you seed you will need to water much more often than if you sod. Newly seeded grass needs watering two to three times a day for at least a month. After that you can gradually ease off during the next month or so. If you sod, you will still need to water heavily for at least a week or even more if you do this in the summer months. Because new grass is so vulnerable you must stay on your watering schedule consistently.
Step 5 – Lawn Maintenance is Important
Proper maintenance is necessary once you have successfully started your lawn. Watering should be on a reduced schedule from when you first planted and should be a deep soaking. By soaking deeply you will ensure longer root growth which will help your grass in times of heat or drought. It is best to water in the morning in order to reduce any loss to evaporation and to reduce the chance of disease. Proper mowing is also necessary to preserve your lawn. You should not remove any more than the top third of your grass and be sure to use a sharp blade to prevent damage as you cut. If they are not too thick, you can leave any clippings on the lawn. This will help return nutrients back to the soil. Remember to change your mowing pattern also, this will help to prevent scalping and rutting of your new lawn.
To get more advice call our team on (07) 3114 8281. 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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