Congratulations! Your new lawn is exactly what you envisaged – lush, thick and beautifully soft under your feet. The challenge now is, how do you maintain that perfect carpet of green? Obviously, fertiliser is going to play an important part, but where to start…?
We’re all familiar with that old saying ‘prevention is better than cure’. And this couldn’t be more true of lawn care. A healthy, well-fertilised lawn has the capacity to deal with stresses such as climate extremes and the ability to prevent weed germination.
The world of lawn care products can be rather overwhelming! That’s where a chat with your local lawn supplies specialist will be invaluable to help clarify exactly what your lawn needs. Obviously, the type of fertiliser and the frequency of applications is going to vary from lawn to lawn, between climates and depending on the type of grass. Factors such as how much time and effort you spent improving the soil before the grass was laid or sown will also make a big difference. But be warned: the more fertiliser that is added, the faster the growth of the grass and the more often it will require mowing!
Most instant lawn companies fertilise their turf prior to delivery, which means that it probably won’t be necessary for you to apply fertiliser in the first few weeks. However, having said that, it’s always best to follow your supplier’s instructions, so if they recommend using specific lawn supplies on your new grass, well do just that!
When should I fertilise?
Once your lawn is established, it needs regular applications of fertiliser to maintain peak performance. Rule of thumb is to fertilise at least twice per year: spring, to help recover from winter dormancy and prepare for the hot summer days, and autumn, to prepare for the winter cold. However, fertilizing during summer will help promote healthy growth and a robust root system. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions about watering before applying fertiliser as it may require a deep soaking afterwards and be best applied just before rain.
So, is it possible to over-fertilise?
Yes. Nitrogen is the primary element found in the majority of lawn fertilisers. The science is simple: nitrogen makes grass greener; more photosynthesis occurs; grass grows thicker… But don’t be caught out – too much nitrogen can cause big problems! If the grass grows too long too fast, it can stress the root system and cause the lawn to thin out. In addition, your lawn will need to be cut more regularly and if you neglect this, you may end up stressing the grass by cutting too much off it when you do get around to mowing…
Taking care of your new lawn is a challenge, but an easy one to master. And that’s where the team at Greener Lawn can save you a lot of heartache and time! Our professional staff have the knowledge and experience to maintain your lawn through every season, so call us today on 1800 473 363 and discuss the care of your new lawn.