New lawn...

[dr strange]

We've laid 70sqm of new lawn just last weekend, and all seems well...so far! We're both not huge gardeners, although we love the outside, and as we also have three little children, spending time on it is not the one at the moment. So are their any hints and tips of looking after it without the spending too much time, and money really.

I guess I need to know anything about watering, cutting, covering (as we have garden toys for the kids) and general easy maintenance.

Thanks everyone.

[buildersmate]

What? oak flooring AND a new lawn - that's just plain extravagent.
The important thing to remember is that the new lawn is not attached to the soil underneath, so though it looks nice, no going running around on it for a while yet.
Watering is CRITICAL in dry weather for the some reason - or the turfs will shrink and gaps appear, then some of the top will die.
Cut it, but cut it high - again to prevent the grass losing moisture from the cut pieces.

[dr strange]

Wow, thanks again B'mate.

We have a lot going on at the moment as we've had a new extension built recently. The construction team had to dig up most of the garden to lay the footings, take up a 10m tree, and lay a soak away, hence the new lawn.

I heard to stay of it for at least two weeks, but my little girls can't seem to wait that long...is it a case of having to?

Expect a few more questions, as this is all new stuff to me!

[Nosha123]

Hi.. you really will want to wait 2 weeks.. or else you will find the new lawn being damaged and not taking to the soil... so do give it a chance!!! Water at dusk - not in bright sunlight... and as Buildersmate says - on first cut only take a small amount off.. never cut it too low or it will look very yellowy!

Dont leave grass clippings on lawn... this encourages disease and thats about it really...

We laid ours last spring - and it looks fab... despite going a bit yellowy in winter... come spring and after a first cut of the year it flourished!

[carlton23]

There is much to say about lawns that could take an hour to tell you, so why not either get a book on lawns or go to your local library.

[dr strange]

carlton -

As I said, I have three little girls to look after, a new extension to decorate, and a new garden to maintain which all in all take up much of my time. Although I do like reading, sitting down with a book on turf or lawn is not my idea of entertainment, that's why I threw out there a few simple questions...or am I at the wrong site for that!!!