Installing new turf can transform the look of your lawn or landscape. However, it’s important to properly care for new turf to ensure it establishes well. There are several things you should avoid doing with new turf to prevent issues like drying out, erosion, weeds, and more. Understanding what not to do will set your new grass up for success.
What are some things to avoid when watering new turf?
Here are some key watering mistakes to avoid with new sod or turf:
- Don’t overwater – Too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases, rotting roots, and runoff. Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Avoid under watering – New grass needs consistent moisture to root properly. Allowing new turf to dry out will cause dormancy, decline, or death.
- Don’t water at night – Wet grass overnight increases disease risk. Water early in the morning instead.
- Avoid frequent light watering – Light watering encourages shallow roots. Deep, less frequent irrigation is best.
- Don’t rely solely on rain – Natural rain may not provide new turf with enough consistent moisture. Supplement with irrigation.
- Don’t abruptly stop watering once established – Gradually taper off watering over time so roots transition deeper into the soil.
What kind of foot traffic should you avoid on new turf?
It’s important to minimize foot traffic on new turf to prevent damage while the grass is still establishing:
- Avoid all foot traffic for at least the first 2-4 weeks while roots develop
- After 2-4 weeks, only allow very minimal foot traffic and avoid concentrated wear patterns
- Don’t allow activity like sports or playing until the turf is fully rooted after 2-3 months
- Take care walking on new turf even after established – stick to designated paths and avoid excess compression
Should you avoid mowing new grass? If so, for how long?
Yes, you should avoid mowing new turf for about 4 weeks after installation or until the grass has firmly rooted. Mowing too soon will rip up shallow new roots. Allow new grass blades to grow at least 3 inches tall before the first mowing. After mowing, maintain a height of 2-3 inches for optimal health.
How long should you wait to fertilize new turf?
It’s best to wait 4-6 weeks after new turf installation to fertilize. Fertilizing too soon can burn tender new grass roots. Once established, fertilize new turf every 6-8 weeks during the growing season using a balanced turf fertilizer.
Should you avoid weed control on new turf?
Pre-emergent herbicides should be avoided on new turf because they prevent root establishment. However, selective post-emergent weed killers can be carefully sprayed 3-4 weeks after installation once grass is mature enough. Weed by hand until new turf is established.
Are there any problems with laying new turf in hot weather?
Extreme heat introduces several potential issues for new turf:
- Hot sun rapidly dries out new grass before roots form properly
- High temperatures increase water needs, making irrigation a challenge
- Heat stress can literally burn and kill new turf if adequate irrigation is not maintained
- Rapid drying magnifies risks of dormancy and failure to thrive issues
- High temps exacerbate weed and disease problems in establishing turf
If possible, install new turf in spring or fall. In summer, prepare for extra irrigation demands.
Should you avoid planting trees near new turf?
Yes, avoid planting trees within 6-10 feet of new turf if possible. Trees compete with grass for water and nutrients. Dense shade also thins grass growth over time. If trees already exist nearby, allow new roots to establish before heavily pruning tree roots.
Are dog or pet issues a concern with new turf?
Pets can damage new turf before the grass has firmly rooted. To avoid this:
- Keep dogs and pets off new turf for 2-4 weeks after laying
- Once grass is established, discourage pet urination which burns grass
- Prevent excessive traffic and digging from destroying new turf
- Remove solid pet waste promptly to prevent nitrogen burn spots
Should you avoid topdressing new turf?
Light topdressing can be helpful on new turf once established, but heavy applications should be avoided. Reasons to avoid heavy topdressing include:
- Can suffocate young turf before roots develop
- Adds an extra layer that takes more water and care
- Supplementary nutrients are better applied via fertilizer
- Topdressing may introduce weed seeds
- Disrupts uniform growth and establishment
Lightly brush small amounts of topsoil into new turf after the first mowing or two if needed.
How soon can new turf be exposed to heavy rain or monsoons?
New turf is vulnerable to heavy rain, storms, and monsoons before roots become established. Issues include:
- Waterlogging suffocates new roots and causes decline
- Erosion can rip up tender new sod
- Gulleys form more readily under heavy water flow
- Ponding can rot new roots leading to fungal issues
Use proper erosion controls and adequate drainage around new turf. Be prepared to replant spots lost to storms or monsoons once saturated ground dries.
Should foot or equipment traffic ever cross slopes on new turf?
No, avoid crossing slopes or inclines on new turf. Traversing steep areas leads to soil and root displacement causing erosion and slippage. Grass in sloped or hilled installations needs time to stabilize before compression or shear forces are applied.
Can new turf tolerate salty conditions like ocean spray?
Salt exposure should be minimized on new turf. Effects of high sodium include:
- Root and foliar burning
- Desiccation and increased moisture stress
- Poor development and decline
- Dieback and bare patches
Select salt-tolerant species if sodding areas exposed to ocean spray or salty water. Limit salt use on concrete nearby.
Should new turf be kept well below the maximum cutting height?
Yes, new turf should be mowed shorter than the maximum height while establishing. Keeping new grass on the shorter side prevents excessive top growth from outpacing root development. Mow at 1/2 to 3/4 of the maximum height for the first month.
Can heavy equipment be used to install new turf?
Compaction from heavy machinery can damage new turf. Effects include:
- Soil compaction impedes root growth
- Rutting from tires or tracks
- Blade damage under rolling loads
- Irregular settling after construction
Use lightest vehicles possible and avoid crossing new turf with equipment. Wait until fully established if construction continues.
Should new turf be installed on steep slopes or hills?
Steep slopes make growing healthy new turf difficult. Issues that arise include:
- Erosion from runoff on inclines
- Slippage and loss of stabilization
- Irregular watering and drying patterns
- Safety hazards on steep pitches
- Maintenance difficulties on hillsides
For best results, lay new turf on flat or gently sloping ground. Extensive erosion controls are needed on hills.
Can heavy amounts of organic matter be tilled into new turf areas?
Excessive organic matter is problematic for new sod or grass plugs. It can lead to:
- Settling and uneven turf levels
- Decomposition odors
- Weed and disease issues
- Poor root development
- Nutrient imbalances
Incorporate moderate amounts of organic material when preparing new turf areas. Wait until established to topdress.
Should new turf be installed on compacted soil?
Compacted soils severely inhibit root growth which causes new turf to struggle. To avoid this:
- Deep till existing soil before laying new turf
- Add organic material and regrade soil
- Water well before installation to improve soil structure
- Consider aerating months after establishing if needed
Correcting soil compaction problems in advance prevents poor turf performance after installation.
Can new turf go dormant in very hot or very cold temperatures?
Temperature extremes can shock new turf and cause premature dormancy. This leaves grass vulnerable to:
- Delayed establishment
- Dieback and mortality
- Weakened defense against pests
- Thinning from weakened growth
Avoid installing turf during peak summer or winter. Provide ample irrigation in heat. Use cold tolerant species.
Should new turf be installed near large trees?
Avoid planting new turf within the root zone of mature trees if possible. Trees compete heavily for water and nutrients which starves new grass. Also, tree roots can physically lift and disrupt fresh sod.
Can heavy fog or dew cause issues for new turf?
Prolonged moisture from heavy fog and dew encourages disease problems on new turf. Issues include:
- Fungal diseases like brown patch, Pythium, and more
- Bacterial diseases like dollar spot
- Moss, algae, and slime molds
- Rotting and softened tissue
Allow new grass to dry adequately between irrigations. Improve drainage and air circulation around new turf in foggy climates.
Should new turf experience sudden dramatic changes in sunlight?
New turf needs a gradual transition in light levels to properly acclimate. Avoid:
- Rapid shift from full sun to full shade
- Removal of shade structures soon after installation
- Tree pruning that drastically changes sunlight
- Damage will occur if new grass isn’t given time to adjust
Can nutrient deficiencies cause problems for new turf?
New turf is prone to nutrient deficiencies while establishing if soil is not amended properly during prep. Deficiencies lead to:
- Stunted, weakened growth
- Thinning and dieback
- Pale color
- Decline in cold or heat tolerance
Test soil and correct any low pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium levels when planning new turf.
Conclusion
Caring for new turf requires careful precautions for the first few weeks after installation. Avoiding common errors like overwatering, foot traffic, premature fertilizing, and mowing keeps new grass healthy while roots develop. With proper establishment care, new turf transforms into a thriving, beautiful lawn or landscape.
