Blood And Bone: Enriching Lives Through Gardening

A Few Secrets to Healthy and Green Turf

23 September 2015

Darren Stevens

Putting in new turf can mean a lush, green lawn in no time, and turf lawn is a good solution to bare spots on a lawn that just don't seem to support grass seed. It's also good for new construction, when you want to move in and enjoy your new property without having to wait for grass to grow. One problem that many homeowners or building owners face when they have new turf installed is that they don't know how to take care of it properly, and they may see it actually start to die away. This can be remedied with a few simple tips and turf supplies. Note a few of those here.

1. Watch for fungus

Because new turf needs time to take root and to have those roots grow strong and healthy, it may be particularly prone to disease and especially to fungus. When you notice any grey patches, you might try an organic fungicide rather than assuming that these patches need added feeding or watering. Use the fungicide as directed on the bottle and this will protect your new turf from having the fungus spread.

2. Look for grubs

Insects also seem to know that turf has not yet taken root and grown strong once it's applied, and they too may feast away at your newly applied grass. If there are any damaged areas, it's good to pull back the layer of turf just slightly and look for white grubs in particular. If you notice these, use an organic pesticide meant especially for new turf.

3. Stress management

Management the stress on your new turf will be very important during the first few weeks after it's installed; this means foot traffic and products you add. These first weeks are when the turf is taking root and those roots are weak, so it cannot handle much foot traffic or anything else that might interfere with its healthy growth. Keep the kids off the turf at home and be sure you direct building occupants away from new turf installed at your commercial facility or apartment complex. 

A starter fertilizer might be applied when the turf is first installed, but then hold off on additional fertilizing so that you don't actually burn away the lawn itself. Do the same with weed control products; your new turf shouldn't need this for the first few months. Adding these harsh products in overabundance with new turf can simply cause it to dry up and wither, so treat it delicately as the roots are getting stronger.

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