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Newly Laid Turf Advice: why is it yellow?

#1 · 4th July 2023, 7:35 pm

Hi everyone!

I’ve recently had new turf laid and I’m hoping you guys can offer some advice. I did some research before (I am desperately trying to get better at gardening!!) and know I have to water it A LOT after it’s laid. I added some fertiliser to the turf the day it was laid and have watered it twice daily since - it’s been 2 weeks. The turf already looks so much better and seems to be coming along ok however I have a couple of concerns:

1. In the images you can see there are a couple of patches that haven’t really taken. Is this grass dead or am I just being impatient?! Is there anything other than watering I should be doing to improve it or does it need re-seeding etc?

2. In the other images I have shown a bit of a close up - it seems like a lot of the grass is green on top but when you look closer it’s yellow/straw like colour - please could someone offer some advice as to what I’m doing wrong?

I am so new to gardening so any advice anyone can offer will be really gratefully received.

Thank you

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#2 · 6th July 2023, 7:00 am

Quote from Lee Garden Ninja on 6th July 2023, 7:00 am
Hi @sledge_hannah
Thanks for your comment on newly laid turf. I get asked this frequently and don't panic. There is a solution.
Whenever you're laying new turf, it's important to prepare the ground correctly first. It looks as if everything is level and whatnot, so no concerns there.
How much to water new turf?
You're correct that new turf requires frequent watering to ensure it establishes. What new turf doesn't need is fertilizer. In fact I would never feed a new lawn until year 2. This is because it's a waste of feed and actually inhibits the grass from rotting as quickly. If you're providing an excess of nutrients, why would the turf fully root to find water and nutrients? Sometimes we need to be a bit meaner to new plants to make sure they root and establish!
I would water newly laid lawn no more than 3x a week. In a heat wave more. You don't want to keep it constantly wet though because this itself can kill the grass! Overwatering is a key failure with many new lawns. Same with over feeding.
https://youtu.be/sWLp_Y2rvJ4
Why is my turf yellow?
Yellow turf is either a sign of chlorosis, where plants don't have access to enough light and turn yellow or lack of nutrients. But with this turf it looks like that part of the rolls been left rolled up too long and the turf has started to die back.
It can also be a lack of nitrogen but for new turf I doubt it as it's already been grown on a base of decent soil. You can find out more on the 3 main macronutrients below and what they do.
https://youtu.be/iFc7YByFIeo
New Laid Lawn Tips to avoid it dying
Lack of water: Newly laid turf or sod requires adequate water to establish its root system. If the lawn is not receiving enough water, or if it's drying out too quickly, it can result in yellowing. Ensure that you are watering your lawn regularly and deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
Overwatering: On the other hand, overwatering can also lead to yellowing of the lawn. Excessive moisture can cause the roots to suffocate, leading to poor growth and yellowing of the grass. Make sure you are providing enough water to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Insufficient sunlight: Grass needs sunlight to thrive and maintain its vibrant green colour. If your lawn is in a shady area with limited sunlight, it may develop yellow patches. Consider pruning overhanging trees or shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach the grass.
Nutrient deficiencies: Yellowing can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for healthy green growth. If your soil lacks nitrogen or other vital nutrients, the lawn may turn yellow. Conduct a soil test to assess nutrient levels and consider applying a suitable fertilizer to address any deficiencies.
Soil compaction: Compacted soil can impede proper root development and water penetration, leading to yellowing of the lawn. If the soil is compacted, aerate the lawn by using a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to loosen the soil and improve drainage.
Disease or pests: Certain diseases, such as fungal infections, and pests like grubs or chinch bugs, can cause yellowing or browning of the grass. Inspect your lawn for signs of disease or pests, such as thinning patches, discolouration, or pest activity. If you suspect a disease or pest issue, consult with a local gardening expert or professional to identify and treat the problem.
However, don't panic. It may recover, or the neighbouring grass will probably take over. I wouldn't reseed until autumn, at any rate.
Overall it looks like your turf is fine for newly laid turf and given the heat wave.
Hope that helps.
Lee

Hi @sledge_hannah

Thanks for your comment on newly laid turf. I get asked this frequently and don't panic. There is a solution.

Whenever you're laying new turf, it's important to prepare the ground correctly first. It looks as if everything is level and whatnot, so no concerns there.

How much to water new turf?

You're correct that new turf requires frequent watering to ensure it establishes. What new turf doesn't need is fertilizer. In fact I would never feed a new lawn until year 2. This is because it's a waste of feed and actually inhibits the grass from rotting as quickly. If you're providing an excess of nutrients, why would the turf fully root to find water and nutrients? Sometimes we need to be a bit meaner to new plants to make sure they root and establish!

I would water newly laid lawn no more than 3x a week. In a heat wave more. You don't want to keep it constantly wet though because this itself can kill the grass! Overwatering is a key failure with many new lawns. Same with over feeding.

Why is my turf yellow?

Yellow turf is either a sign of chlorosis, where plants don't have access to enough light and turn yellow or lack of nutrients. But with this turf it looks like that part of the rolls been left rolled up too long and the turf has started to die back.

It can also be a lack of nitrogen but for new turf I doubt it as it's already been grown on a base of decent soil. You can find out more on the 3 main macronutrients below and what they do.

New Laid Lawn Tips to avoid it dying

Lack of water: Newly laid turf or sod requires adequate water to establish its root system. If the lawn is not receiving enough water, or if it's drying out too quickly, it can result in yellowing. Ensure that you are watering your lawn regularly and deeply, allowing the water to penetrate the soil and reach the roots.
Overwatering: On the other hand, overwatering can also lead to yellowing of the lawn. Excessive moisture can cause the roots to suffocate, leading to poor growth and yellowing of the grass. Make sure you are providing enough water to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Insufficient sunlight: Grass needs sunlight to thrive and maintain its vibrant green colour. If your lawn is in a shady area with limited sunlight, it may develop yellow patches. Consider pruning overhanging trees or shrubs to allow more sunlight to reach the grass.
Nutrient deficiencies: Yellowing can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for healthy green growth. If your soil lacks nitrogen or other vital nutrients, the lawn may turn yellow. Conduct a soil test to assess nutrient levels and consider applying a suitable fertilizer to address any deficiencies.
Soil compaction: Compacted soil can impede proper root development and water penetration, leading to yellowing of the lawn. If the soil is compacted, aerate the lawn by using a garden fork or a mechanical aerator to loosen the soil and improve drainage.
Disease or pests: Certain diseases, such as fungal infections, and pests like grubs or chinch bugs, can cause yellowing or browning of the grass. Inspect your lawn for signs of disease or pests, such as thinning patches, discolouration, or pest activity. If you suspect a disease or pest issue, consult with a local gardening expert or professional to identify and treat the problem.

However, don't panic. It may recover, or the neighbouring grass will probably take over. I wouldn't reseed until autumn, at any rate.

Overall it looks like your turf is fine for newly laid turf and given the heat wave.

Hope that helps.

Lee