Lawn guides
Caring for new turf: the first six weeks
A freshly laid lawn needs a little attention while its roots grow into the soil. Here's what to do, and when.
Week one: water and stay off
Water every day unless there's been steady rain, and soak it properly rather than giving it a sprinkle. Peel back a corner every so often to check the soil below is moist.
Keep foot traffic to a minimum. Walking on soft, wet turf leaves dents that are hard to get out later.
Weeks two and three: rooting
Keep watering, but you can start to water a little less often and a little more deeply. Gently tug a corner of turf. If it holds firm, the roots are getting a grip. When most of the lawn resists, it's nearly ready for the first cut.
Weeks three to four: the first mow
Set the mower high and take just the tips off. A sharp blade matters, because a blunt one can pull young turf loose. Our first mow guide goes into more detail.
Weeks four to six: normal use
By now you can use the lawn lightly, and start lowering the mowing height bit by bit. Hold off on heavy wear such as football or trampolines until it's been down for around six weeks.
What's normal
- Visible joints between rolls for the first week or two
- A slightly different colour from the old lawn while it settles
- Some yellowing where a roll dried out, usually recovering with watering
- Small gaps at the edges, which close as the grass grows
At a glance
| When | Water | Mowing | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Daily soak unless it rains | None | Keep off |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Every day or two, deeper | None, or a light trim at the end | Very light |
| Weeks 3 to 4 | Two or three times a week | First cut on a high setting | Light |
| Weeks 4 to 6 | When dry | Lower gradually | Normal, not heavy |
More guides
Questions people ask
Should I feed new turf?
Not straight away. The turf has nutrients to start with. A light lawn feed after around six weeks, in the growing season, is plenty.
Can I use weedkiller on new turf?
Wait until the lawn has been mown several times, usually a few months. Most lawn weedkillers aren't suitable for freshly laid turf.