Initial Installation 
 

  1. Remove all building waste and weeds
  2. Spread a free draining soil to a depth of 7 - 15 cm (roots can penetrate much deeper), or loosen ground and mix in appropriate soil conditioners. Phone your supplier for more advice on this option. For sandy soils, simply mix in organic material with a rotary hoe.
  3. Level the surface using a screeding board, lawn leveller or similar device.
  4. Apply a low analysis fertiliser with an N:P:K of approximately 5:6:5, or lawn starter fertiliser to the surface and incorporate with a rake.
  5. In hot months, moisten the soil but do not make the soil too wet - do not lay turf on dry hot soil.
  6. Lay turf as soon as possible after delivery.
  7. For hot days, lay a section of turf, lightly water, roll and water thoroughly. Repeat until all turf is layed. During cool days, turf can be laid all at once.
  8. Water thoroughly for 7 to 10 days or until turf is established - take care that the water is saturating the soil beneath the turf. In colder months, it will take the turf longer to establish.
  9. When the soil has firmed, and the turf has rooted out, usually 2 - 3 weeks after laying (longer during winter), mow lightly to tidy up the lawn. 


Mowing 
 

  1. Mow every 7 - 10 days in the hot months; mow every 3 - 6 weeks in the cold months.
  2. Mowing height will vary:
  3. 2-5 cm in sunny/lightly shaded situations
  4. 5-7 cm in heavier situations 


Watering 

  1. Water thoroughly and regularly when turf has been layed to encourage a deep and vigorous root system (turf will be able to fossick for water and therefore be more able to withstand hot, dry conditions. 
  2. Once the root system has fully established, water thoroughly only when needed - when a slight wilting is visible, usually once every 7 - 10 days in summer, with much less or no watering in cooler months.  
  3. Remember that infrequent, deep watering promotes a healthy lawn.  
  4. Over watering encourages excessive growth, disease and root rot. 
  5. It is best to water in the early morning; night watering is not recommended.   


Fertilising 

  1. Lawns need to be fed to remain strong and healthy. 
  2. Use a complete fertiliser in early April and early September. 
  3. At other times of the year use a slow release fertiliser. If you need a quick green up, use a fertiliser high in nitrogen to promote a lush green lawn - eg Supergreen or organic based slow release fertilisers. In the heat of summer, avoid over fertilising or using manure based products.  
     


Pests, Weeds and Diseases 

  1. Pests - Watch for lawn grub (eg: Web Worm or Army Worm) and African Black Beetle - apply suitable pesticides according to directions.
  2. Fungi - Watch for Brown Patch and Grey Leaf Spot - apply systemic fungicide 
  3. Weeds - If weeds infest, hand eradicate before seed head develops or apply a suitable weedicide 
  4. NB: Sprays containing DICAMBA must not be applied to soft-leaf buffalos!!! 
     

For more information ask your local garden centre.

 

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