Small grass sprouts slowly inching across your yard means that you successfully seeded and germinated your own turf - this exciting process eventually leads to a lush lawn that cools the surrounding air on summer days. We go to great lengths to help users better; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. New grass is more tender, flexible and finer than more established grass. When Is the Best Time of Year to Cut Your Yard Really Low? Cut again in 4-5 days time, this time you can drop the mower blades a little. It's really important to give your new lawn time to establish itself before you mow it for the first time. Generally, once the grass reaches a height of at least 3 ½ inches, it is ready for mowing. Keep your mower blades really sharp. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'tinyplantation_com-box-3','ezslot_4',105,'0','0']));Mowing the grass is a straightforward process. Remembering not to remove any more than 1/3 of the length. When you mow your newly sodded lawn, significant portions of the grass leaves that facilitate photosynthesis are cut off, forcing the plant to regrow the leaves while also sprouting more shoots. For the first mow, you can let the lawn grow to the high end of the recommended range or even a little higher before cutting to give it a little more time to become established, but be sure to still only cut off one-third of the blade. Fungal diseases are prone to attacking new lawns. Grass height is directly related to the root system. Mow again a few days later to cut to the recommended height. If you see the grass blades already long, your inner instinct will dictate it is time to mow. Here are some of the most important ones: 1. Do NOT walk on the turf after you have watered it. You always want to cut grass with clean, sharp mower blades but this is particularly important when mowing new grass or lawn. Feeding your new lawn. So for people with children or pets, it is often a good option, as you can be back on the lawn within a couple of days of laying. Mowing stimulates growth and increases thickness. If you mow at the right time, you’ll get lush and healthy grass. A newly established lawn requires a different kind of fertilizer than mature lawns. If the turf lifts up – wait and try again in a few days-time. When to Cut New Turf. Maintaining a 2 or 3 inch height is critical; do not cut the grass lower than this range because invading weeds and heat stress invite pathogens and pests into the newly seeded lawn. The first cut is very important; 5 - 6 cm on the first cut is ideal. When you are able to cut for the first time, you will want to make sure you … The rules for a seeded lawn are similar to a turfed lawn. However, it is a different case when the grass is new. Mowing can begin once the new lawn is 3″ tall in most areas. The height of the new grass is a good determining factor when it is ready to mow for the first time or not. Try to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass at a time. As you pass the mower across the lawn, use slow turns so that your wheels do not accidentally pinch the turf and pull it away from the soil. After a few weeks of planting, you will start to see lush blades starting to grow. Use the mower on a high setting to start and then mow again a few days later to reduce the height. The … These new shoots translate into an increased surface area/turf density. 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The turf comes in rolls, so simply roll out enough so that you can fit the pattern pieces or measurements and then cut them. There are several things you need to remember when mowing for an excellent result. Follow the 1/3 rule in mowing. It is good for situations where you can't keep off a lawn for the two or three weeks you need with seed. Mowing: Start mowing your lawn after 2 weeks of laying. Additionally, users can collapse the Legend view of already created Turfs. This is more important for seed than for turf because you have some really young, vulnerable plants that need to be nurtured if they’re going to grow into a lush lawn. If you’re planting … They will initially appear sparse. Do trim it slightly if the weather is mild and it has started to grow, however keep the mower blades set high as if cut too short it can prevent the grass from being able to absorb and retain the moisture and nutrient it needs. This should take about 8 weeks, so be patient! However, before you get there, it could take a lot of time and effort from grass seed planting to mowing and doing regular maintenance. Generally, before you push your lawnmower on your new turf, you should wait until the grass height reaches around 3 to 4 inches and covers the ground in high density. Mowing your newly seeded grass requires observation of your seedlings so that you do not damage them by cutting the blades too soon. You only get one chance, but you have to wait weeks to see if you did it right. Turf grown on turf farms has had its roots cut when it was lifted, and so watering the grass is essential when it comes to growing new roots. Then, each time you mow bring it down by a third, until it is the height you … The first mow happens when the lawn reaches about 6cm in height, do not let it grow higher than this before the first mowing. Cutting only one third of the grass height away at a time, you may have to mow the grass repeatedly to bring it down to a more manageable 2- to 3 inch height. However, the number of assigned Doors/People should always be visible. But this is normal. It is possible for severe dieback to occur if the grass is mown incorrectly. Sprouts that cover the ground and grow to a 3 or 4 inch height are ready for mowing. If you don’t have a tool for sharpening your mower, most hardware stores can do it for you. That is why it is important to know when to mow new grass so that you will not hurt their normal growth and establishment of soil system. Your mower needs to have sharp blades cutting across dry grass so that the turf is not torn or ripped as it is cut low. If you can lift it, wait a while longer. Also, grass seeds need the right combination of moisture, warm soil, oxygen and light for better germination. You should mow your new lawn as soon as the roots have taken hold. If you let your lawn get much higher than normal, raise up the height of cut. According to The Garden Counselor, grass seed germination will keep you in suspense. Set the mower high at first, then gradually lower. When the lawn is fully established, the height of cut can be reduced gradually to an optimum height of between 15mm and 35mm. Another way to determine mowing times is through grass height. Mowing is one of the most important maintenance tasks that can greatly affect the health of your grass. It can take up to four weeks for turf to become established and this is the most important time in which it needs to be nurtured. Don’t walk on your new turf until it has been properly rooted into the soil, this could take a several weeks. Most types of grass mature between 30 and 60 days. The water will not spread. How Long Does Grass Need to Grow Before You Mow? Identifying the right time when to mow new grass can be a challenge. After installation of a Sir Walter buffalo lawn, it is ready for mowing within 10-14 days. Rolawn mowed your new turf at 25mm because it provides a high quality appearance. 2. For example, if you mow too soon, the mower's wheels and blades simply pull grass sprouts out of the ground, rather than simply cutting them. Mowing too early can cause widespread death. Mowing in varied directions also helps your grass remain upright and properly cut - cutting in one direction each time you mow causes the blades to lay down and compact into the soil. You can give the lawn its first cut when the grass is 7-8cm tall (3 inches). Make sure your mower blade is nice and sharp, and cut your grass only when it's dry. Since the roots will anchor the grass into place, mowing too early may not only cause potential death to the grass but it could also rip new growth that is just starting to sprout. Just like any type of floor covering, artificial turf needs to be cut into shape while it's being installed. New Turf Cutter: Door and People Toggle New Turf Cutter places a toggle option for 'Doors, People and Both' so it's crystal clear how large you're constructing each Turf. New turf must be firmly rooted before you can start mowing. https://www.yardcaregrus.com/when-to-mow-new-grass-seed/, https://www.backyardboss.net/how-long-after-planting-grass-seed-can-i-mow/, http://blog.briggsandstratton.com/mow-new-grass/. Turf Laying Demonstration Video Your decision can also impact the overall health of the grass. Having a nice-looking lawn can greatly improve the aesthetics of your home. Seedlings do not have the strong leaf blades that withstand compaction and cutting from a mower - allow the turf plants to gain some strength and age before cutting them. New grass is tender, vulnerable and in need of special care to turn into a beautiful, healthy lawn. Your new lawn will probably need its first cut about 3 weeks after you laid your turf. If you are buying fertilizer instead of using organic fertilizer, choose fertilizers labeled as “lawn starter.” These are fertilizers that contain more nitrogen and phosphorous that your new lawn needs. If you mow too early, the grass may die and new growths will be disrupted. Dull blades tear grass, and baby grass is especially susceptible to damage this way. Although maintaining a moist soil structure was necessary for grass establishment, it is imperative that you allow the turf to dry for 48 hours before mowing it for the first time. Whether you've seeded bare spots or a whole lawn, hold off on mowing the area until the new grass has reached mowing height. Optimal Germination Temperature for Fine Fescue, How to Overseed a Lawn During a Cool Season. Make sure you have covered every turf. You have just laid your fresh new lawn, now its time to look after it! Depending on the grass variety, the germination rate is normally between 80% and 90%. Let the grass grow to a height of 5-6cm before the first mowing and then for the first cut, set your mower's cutting height so that it reduces the height of your new grass to 3-4cm. Many gardeners would agree that the best time to mow is mid-morning as it gives the grass time to recover before night time. Mowing. 3. How to lay turf. For more information, please read our privacy policy. Try to leave behind grass clipping as long as they are evenly distributed and not clumping. The most crucial aspect in the first month is to water your lawn well so it can establish and remain healthy. If you are seeding bare patches within your establish turf, you may mow the grown grass while avoiding the patches altogether. Being a devotee with plants and gardens, you will find numerous things with me. This will encourage a thick and lush lawn. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Red thread diseases are now detected in the grass seed itself, and fusarium attacks most new … Within 4 weeks following laying the new lawn and then every two to three months thereafter. Water it well and keep watering every few days so it establishes well. New grass is flimsy and needs to be treated rightly. -  Designed by Thrive Themes | Powered by WordPress, www.TinyPlantation.com is a participant in the, www.TinyPlantation.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Below is how to cut artificial turf: What you'll need to… Whether it is a winding path or an existing new or old border, installing artificial grass can be custom cut to fit any yard. Even if you have kept on top of your lawn mowing, and watered it in properly, there are still problems that are unavoidable. Time It Right. If you end up with a handful of grass clippings, then it’s OK to bring out the mower. Do this gradually to avoid scalping. The mower also compacts the soil at the same time, which contributes to poor root spread as the seedlings struggle to gain purchase in the ground. Don’t cut it too short and do not remove more than 1/3 of … Prepare the ground by removing weeds and raking it level, then lay the turf so it overlaps slightly. I have developed enough interest regarding plants that these things do not bore me anymore; instead this has become my passion. With an electronics degree and more than 10 years of experience, she applies her love of gadgets to the gardening world as she continues her education through college classes and gardening activities. If you see the grass blades already long, your inner instinct will dictate it is time to mow. Depending on the time of year, you should be watering deeply every day for the first 3 weeks or until your first mow. Longer grass is great for mowing stripes into the lawn. Many people are tempted to mow their grass at this stage. Once the pieces are cut, simply transfer the turf to the grid. But this is not yet the right time. We also have a comment section below where you could share your thoughts concerning mowing new grass. As a rule, you should sharpen your blade after every 20 hours of work. It may be growing quick on the surface but the hidden root development is the most important factor for survival and a healthy green sward. Before knowing when to mow new grass, it is important to first understand several things about new grass such as their growth requirements, germination rate and ideal grass height. This could be after a week or take up to three weeks, depending on growing conditions. Would personally give it a few more days before mowing. Did you find this article helpful? It also tends to bend over so it can be difficult to get a clean cut. One general rule for mowing is that the shorter you want to mow the more often you need to mow to maintain healthy grass. 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