New sod or turf grass can be a great choice for new construction, or for patchy lawns that need a lot of bare spots filled in at once. Turf can mean an instantly green lawn, without the risk of seeds being eaten by birds or simply blowing away in the wind. When you do have new sod or kikuyu turf grass installed, note some common mistakes to avoid, so that your new lawn stays as lush and green as the day it was installed.
Not watering enough
New sod or turf grass needs lots of water, since that grass won't get water from its roots until those roots start to grow deep into the ground. Ask your installer about the recommended watering schedule for your climate and type of turf grass installed, and be sure you follow that schedule carefully. Don't assume you'll be overwatering the grass or outright drowning it, but ensure the turf is always well-watered, especially in the first few days and weeks after installation.
Using too much fertilizer
Fertilizer is needed after new turf is installed, to ensure delicate grass blades get the food they need to grow strong; as with water, new grass won't that food from its roots until they grow into the ground. However, note that too much fertilizer, or using the wrong type for the turf species you've chosen, can be very damaging to new sod. Those grass blades need food, but they're also very delicate, so too much fertilizer can outright burn the grass and the dirt in which it's growing. Fertilize the new sod as instructed, but then hold off an another application until it's recommended by the sod manufacturer, so you don't damage your new turf.
Cutting the lawn too short
Once your new turf grows to a certain height, you may want to cut that grass so that it doesn't start to look shaggy and unattractive. If you cut the grass too short, however, this can expose the soil under the grass blades to too much sun, so that it dries out. Short grass also allows water and fertilizer to roll or wash away, also causing the new grass to wither and wilt. When turf is first installed, it's often recommended that you keep it a bit longer than usual, until its roots are strong and it can withstand a shorter height. Again, ask your installer about recommended mowing schedules and heights so you protect that new turf from potential damage.
Hello! My name is Cindy. I have decided to start a new blog which will detail the ways in which landscaping the grounds on your property can improve the way it looks and its value if you decide to sell. Before I called in a team of landscaping contractors, I had no idea about the benefits of landscaping. However, I was really unhappy with the way the grounds of my property looked. The team were great and they helped me to plan how I wanted to change the grounds. I learnt a great deal and I hope by sharing it with you I can help you to landscape your property.