Post Planting Care

The grass must be well-watered immediately after planting and then watered every day for the first 10 days, to top up any evaporative loss. Water every fourth day for the next two weeks. Once this is completed and the root systems have begun to spread, water only once a week (enough to wet the soil to a depth of at least 20mm). It has been found that watering turf often is detrimental and so one should irrigate less frequently, but more intensively. If, however, the soils are very sandy, or it is hot and windy, extra water should be applied since the grass dries out much quicker in these conditions.

Encourage growth by applying top dressings of Limestone Ammonium Nitrate (LAN) at a rate of 250g110m2. However, if the soil is neutral or alkaline, rather apply Ammonium Sulphate at the specified rate. The first top dressing should be three weeks after planting. Six weeks after planting, top dress once again with 3;2;l (28) slow release fertilizer at 450g110m2. Repeat this monthly.

Soil used for top dressing should preferably be of medium to sandy texture. Clay soil tends to smear, puddle and seal the surface, making water penetration difficult. Top dressing is only necessary on well-established lawns to level the area. If the lawn is already level, top dressing would merely increase the rate of thatch decomposition.

Post emergence herbicides may be applied if necessary to control weed invasion. Mowing should begin when the grass is 30% above the final desired height.  Always remember to remove all clippings. Accumulated clippings eventually form a thick mat, which not only harbours pests and diseases, but also prevents water and fertilizers from reaching the grass roots. MOW only when the grass is dry to avoid encouraging fungal infections under damp conditions. Finally, rolling the area removes any existing bumpiness or unevenness.