Laying a new lawn is one of the most rewarding ways to refresh your outdoor space. Whether you’ve just installed turf in Alice Springs or are greening up a backyard in Sydney, knowing how to care for a new lawn is critical to its long-term success. From watering and mowing to fertilising and walking on it, your actions in the first few weeks can make or break the health of your lawn.
This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for a new lawn—especially in Australia’s varied climates. If you’ve recently laid new buffalo turf, kikuyu grass, or couch in Alice Springs, Totally Tidy is here to help guide you through proper lawn care, so your new grass thrives from day one.
First Steps After Laying Your New Lawn
As soon as your turf is laid, watering is your top priority. Whether it’s kikuyu, buffalo, or couch grass, new turf care is all about establishing strong roots.
Water immediately after installation—within the first 30 minutes.
Keep the turf moist for the first 7–14 days with daily watering.
Avoid walking on it during this period.
In hot areas like Alice Springs, you may need to water 2–3 times daily to prevent the turf from drying out. The goal is to keep the soil underneath damp, not just the surface.
💧 Tip: Avoid heavy foot traffic until roots are fully established, typically after 3–4 weeks.
How Often to Water New Turf in Australia
Watering frequency depends on location, time of year, and turf type.
Alice Springs / NT: 2–3 times per day for the first week, then taper to once daily.
Brisbane / Sydney / Perth: Daily for the first 2 weeks, depending on rainfall.
Cooler states (TAS / VIC): Once or twice daily if the weather is mild.
After two weeks, reduce watering gradually. For buffalo turf, a deep water 2–3 times a week is usually enough once roots are down.
🌱 New turf care relies on consistent moisture. Avoid letting it dry out in the first 21 days.
When Can You Mow a New Lawn?
A common question is when to mow new turf or when to cut new lawn. Timing is critical.
Wait 2–3 weeks or until the grass reaches 6–7cm in height.
Perform a “tug test”—if you gently pull and the grass resists, it’s ready to mow.
Use a sharp mower blade and never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height.
🚫 Avoid mowing too early—it can damage shallow roots and slow growth.
Fertiliser for New Grass: What and When to Apply
Feeding your lawn encourages growth, root development, and colour—but timing matters.
Apply a starter fertiliser for new turf at installation or shortly after.
Use low nitrogen, high phosphorus blends to promote root growth.
After 4–6 weeks, apply a standard lawn fertiliser for new grass (balanced NPK).
Popular options include:
Buffalo-friendly fertiliser
Slow-release new turf fertiliser
Liquid seaweed for root stimulation
In Alice Springs, opt for slow-release options to handle high temperatures and prevent burning.
When Can You Walk on New Turf?
It’s best to avoid walking on your new lawn until:
Turf has fully rooted into the soil (usually 3–4 weeks).
You’ve mowed it at least once successfully.
The ground feels firm and not spongey.
💡 Walking too early can lead to depressions, root disturbance, and patchy growth.
New Lawn Maintenance Timeline (Australia)
Here’s a simple schedule to follow:
Week 1–2
Water heavily and frequently
No mowing or walking
Monitor for dryness and adjust watering
Week 3–4
Begin mowing if roots are established
Taper watering gradually
Start planning first fertiliser
Week 5–6
Apply post-installation fertiliser
Water deeply but less often
Address any patchy areas or weeds
Cost of Caring for a New Lawn
Prices vary by location and lawn size, but here’s a rough guide:
New turf installation: $8–$15 per m² (varies by turf type)
Starter fertiliser: $20–$35 per 5kg bag
Professional care (Alice Springs): $60–$90 per visit for mowing and early maintenance
Lawn care plans: $300–$500/month for full maintenance
In hot, dry climates like Alice Springs, investing in the right care early prevents costly repairs later.
Choosing the Right Turf Type
Not all turf is created equal. Consider:
Buffalo grass: Great for heat, shade, and kids. Needs less mowing.
Kikuyu grass: Fast-growing and hardy, perfect for sunny yards.
Couch grass: Dense and soft but needs regular mowing.
Ask your local lawn expert (like Totally Tidy in Alice Springs) which turf suits your home and lifestyle.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with New Lawn Care
Underwatering: Causes shrinkage, gaps, and root death.
Overwatering: Leads to fungus and shallow roots.
Mowing too early: Damages tender roots and sets you back.
Wrong fertiliser: Can burn your lawn or stunt growth.
🐾 Also, keep pets off your lawn during the early growth phase if possible.
FAQ: New Lawn Care Australia (From People Also Ask)
When should you mow new turf?
Once the lawn is 6–7cm tall and has rooted in—usually around 2–3 weeks post-installation.
How often should you water new turf in Australia?
At least once daily for the first 14 days. In hot areas like Alice Springs, 2–3 times per day may be required initially.
What fertiliser is best for new grass?
Use a new turf starter fertiliser with high phosphorus, followed by a balanced NPK fertiliser after 4–6 weeks.
When can you walk on new lawn?
Wait 3–4 weeks or until after the first mow. The turf should feel firm underfoot.
Can you fertilise straight after laying turf?
Yes, but only with a starter fertiliser. Avoid high-nitrogen blends until the lawn is more established.
How long does it take for new turf to establish?
Full establishment can take 4–6 weeks, depending on climate, turf type, and care routine.
How do I know if my new lawn is dying?
Look for dry patches, yellowing, or shrinking turf. Increase watering and check for pests or poor soil contact.
Totally Tidy: New Lawn Care in Alice Springs
At Totally Tidy, we specialise in new lawn care tailored to Alice Springs’ dry conditions. From helping you lay the right turf to ongoing mowing and fertilising, we ensure your new lawn grows strong and looks beautiful year-round.
Just laid new turf? Don’t leave it to chance. Contact Totally Tidy for expert guidance, turf aftercare, and maintenance packages that save you time—and save your lawn.
