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    New build turf issues: is it dead?

    Hi all 😊

    I am in a new build and the developers came last week and laid new turf (I appeared to be budget turf). I’ve given it a thorough watering every night but it’s starting to look dead. Today I decided to get some grass fertiliser to see if I could revive it but, after the fact I went online and it seems you shouldn’t feed new grass 🤦‍♀️ have I ruined it?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated, Thankyou 😬

    Hi @sarahsausage

    Great question about new build turf!

    The quick answer with newly laid turf is that there is no need to fertilize it. If you do, it's usually just a waste of resources and can lead to your turf not rooting as quickly, as it doesn't have any impetus to root into the soil beneath if you're watering and feeding it! It won't ruin or kill it, but you don't need to feed it. Just focus on watering instead.

    The key to new turf is as follows:

    • Stay off it for at least 7-10 days if possible
    • Use a sprinkler to water it each evening at dusk
    • If it goes yellow don't panic - turf is mega tolerant and it doesn't mean its dead
    • Avoid feeding it until its been down at least 3-6 months
    • Make your first cut 3 weeks after it has been laid to number 4 on the mower

    You may also find my new build garden design guide here useful for what else you can do with your garden!

    Hope that helps.

    Lee Garden Ninja

    Fab thanks Lee,

    does it make a difference to how it will settle etc if the soil has a lot of clay? I mean that much clay I could probably make some plant pots too 😂

    Hi @sarahsausage

    Yes, it will, unfortunately. Heavy clay soil will be harder for new turf to establish into which is why not walking on it too much is key as this compacts it. It all depends on how much 'care' the landscaper/builder put into preparing the ground. But do see how you get on first before panicking or trying to replace it. It maybe absolutely fine!

    The below guide may help explain in more detail.

    All the best

    Lee Garden Ninja

    Online garden design courses

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