An Instructional Guide to Starting a Lawn

In order to grow a healthy lawn a number of procedures set out in an algorithmic type fashion must undertake.  It is important to perform each step in sequential order to achieve the desired outcome. 

There are a number of important requirements when deciding to initiate a lawn.  The grower must have a large amount of irrigation resources available. Most new lawns, depending on the variety, need constantly moist soil in order to initiate.  A system for regularly watering the lawn must be designated catering to this constant watering regime.  An informed decision should be made when selecting the variety of grass to be grown, taking in factors such as shade, available water and soil type. Factors such as budget may also be a factor subsequently certain steps specified may not be practical when installing a private lawn.    

Readying Ground for Lawn:

• A drainage system may need to be installed if the current drainage of the soil is particularly poor.  A popular solution is to lay drainage pipes (for more information contact a plumbing contractor). 
• Quality soil may need to be purchased to replace or cover the current topsoil if it is of poor quality. A minimum of 10cm of good quality soil is needed.  
• The soil should then be aerated using a hoe or another digging implement. This should be done to a depth of 10cm.
• A soil wetter can be mixed in with the soil to help lower the watering requirements of the lawn.
• The soil surface should then be levelled off using a rake.

Sowing the Seed:

• Sowing should be done at a time of year that suits the variety of grass being used.  Minimal wind if preferable as the seed is very fine.
• Spreading rate should also be adhered to according to the selected grass.  A spreader is useful for the step.
• Move from one side of the lawn to the other working downward when spreading the seed ensuring that the entire area is covered and no sections are missed.
• Water the seed in well making sure the area receives an even coating.

Caring for the new lawn:

• The lawn should be watered briefly 3 to 4 times a day, depending on the grass, for the first 3 weeks.
• Light and frequently fertilisation of the lawn can be done but never large amounts of fertiliser at one time.
• Any bare patches can be re-sewn.
• From weeks 6 to 9 the watering regime should decrease to once a day for a longer period. 
• Mowing of the lawn should initially be carried out with a push pull mower to avoid damaging the young grass from heavier machinery.