Nothing transforms a yard faster than fresh, green turf. The moment it’s rolled out, your outdoor space looks renewed and ready for barbecues, family gatherings, and relaxing weekends in the sun. However, the secret to maintaining that lush appearance isn’t just in choosing the right turf variety — it’s in how you water and fertilise it after installation.
If you’ve just laid new turf or are planning to do so, understanding when and how to water and fertilise can make all the difference between a thriving lawn and a struggling one.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your turf healthy and resilient — with expert insights from Direct Turf in Sydney, a trusted supplier of high-quality turf for homes and businesses.
Why Watering and Fertilising Are So Important
When you first lay turf, it’s like giving your lawn a new start in life. The turf rolls are living plants that have been freshly cut from a farm and need to establish their roots in your soil as quickly as possible.
To do that, they need:
- Moisture — to keep the grass hydrated and encourage roots to grow downward into the soil.
- Nutrients — to support new growth and strengthen the turf against heat, pests, and disease.
Without the right balance of water and fertiliser, your turf may dry out, develop patchy areas, or fail to take root properly. But when you get these steps right, you’ll be rewarded with a thick, vibrant, and long-lasting lawn.
Watering Schedule for New Turf
1. The First Two Weeks: Frequent, Gentle Watering
The first two weeks after laying new turf are the most crucial. During this period, your turf hasn’t yet established its roots, so it relies entirely on surface moisture.
Here’s what to do:
- Water immediately after installation. Once the turf is laid, soak it thoroughly so that both the grass and the soil underneath are wet. This helps eliminate air pockets and allows the turf to settle properly.
- Water lightly but frequently — 2 to 4 times a day. Depending on the weather, water early in the morning, midday, and late afternoon to keep the turf consistently damp. Avoid overwatering to the point of puddling, but don’t let it dry out either.
- Keep the soil moist at all times. Lift a corner of the turf occasionally to check if the soil underneath is damp. If it’s drying out, increase watering frequency.
If you’re laying turf in Sydney during hot months, you might need to water more often due to higher evaporation rates. In cooler or rainy seasons, watering twice a day might be enough.
2. Weeks 3 to 5: Reduce Frequency, Increase Depth
By the third week, the turf should begin to establish roots into the soil. You can test this by gently trying to lift a corner — if it resists, roots are growing.
At this stage:
- Water once a day or every second day, depending on rainfall and temperature.
- Focus on deep watering — soak the soil so water reaches about 10–15 cm deep. This encourages deeper root growth, making your lawn more drought-resistant.
- Avoid shallow watering, which promotes weak, surface-level roots.
Morning watering is ideal because it allows the turf to dry during the day, reducing the risk of fungal issues.
3. After 6 Weeks: Maintain a Regular Watering Routine
Once your turf is established (around 6 weeks), you can switch to a maintenance watering schedule:
- Water two to three times per week during warmer months.
- During cooler or rainy periods, you might only need to water once a week or not at all.
Remember, the goal is to keep your lawn healthy — not constantly wet. Overwatering can suffocate roots and promote fungal growth, while underwatering can cause yellowing and patchy dry spots.
To check if your lawn needs watering, walk across it in the morning. If your footprints remain visible, it’s a sign the grass blades lack moisture.
Fertilising Schedule for New Turf
Fertilising plays a major role in helping new turf establish and stay vibrant. Turf farms like Direct Turf in Sydney often recommend a specific fertilising schedule that balances root development with strong leaf growth.
Let’s break down what to use and when:
1. Before Laying Turf: Pre-Turf Starter Fertiliser
Before you even lay your turf, it’s wise to prepare the soil properly. A pre-turf starter fertiliser provides essential nutrients that encourage root growth.
Choose a fertiliser high in phosphorus (P), which supports early root development. Products with a nutrient ratio like 10-15-10 (N-P-K) work well.
Apply it evenly over the soil surface and rake it in before rolling out the turf. This ensures the nutrients are available right where the roots will grow.
2. 3–4 Weeks After Laying: First Feed
Once your turf begins to root, it’s time for its first feeding. At this stage, use a slow-release or balanced fertiliser to promote both root and leaf growth.
Look for fertilisers with a balanced ratio such as 20-10-10 or 15-15-15. These help strengthen the turf’s structure and colour while encouraging new shoots to fill in gaps.
Apply it evenly, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and water it in thoroughly to prevent leaf burn.
3. Every 6–8 Weeks: Ongoing Maintenance Feeding
After the initial phase, your turf will benefit from regular feeding every 6–8 weeks, especially during the growing season (spring through early autumn).
Use a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to maintain lush green colour and dense growth. During winter, switch to a low-nitrogen fertiliser to avoid excessive growth when the lawn is dormant.
If you prefer an eco-friendly approach, consider using liquid or organic fertilisers — these improve soil health and microbial activity without harsh chemicals.
4. Watch for Signs of Nutrient Deficiency
Even with a fertilising schedule, it’s important to observe how your turf responds. Common signs your lawn may need a feed include:
- Pale or yellowing leaves (nitrogen deficiency)
- Purple tint (phosphorus deficiency)
- Weak growth or poor recovery after mowing
Regular fertilising helps prevent these problems, but always avoid overdoing it — too much fertiliser can burn the grass and harm the soil.
Extra Tips for Caring for New Turf
1. Mow Gently — and at the Right Time
Wait until your turf has firmly rooted before mowing for the first time (usually after 3–4 weeks). Use a sharp mower blade and only trim the top third of the grass height. Cutting too short can stress the lawn and expose roots to heat.
2. Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic Early On
Give your turf time to settle and develop roots before walking or placing heavy objects on it. Foot traffic during the first few weeks can create uneven patches or root damage.
3. Adjust for the Weather
Sydney’s weather can fluctuate, so always adapt your watering schedule accordingly. During hot spells, water early in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation. During cooler or rainy periods, cut back watering to prevent waterlogging.
4. Aerate and Top-Dress Annually
Once your lawn is fully established, consider aerating it once a year to improve air and water penetration. Applying a light layer of topdressing soil also helps even out the surface and boost soil nutrients.
Choosing the Right Turf Makes All the Difference
Even the best watering and fertilising routine won’t save poor-quality turf. That’s why sourcing your lawn from a trusted supplier like Direct Turf in Sydney is so important.
Direct Turf offers premium turf varieties suited to Australian conditions — from drought-tolerant Sir Walter Buffalo to soft, fine-bladed Zoysia options. Their expert team can advise you on the best type for your soil, climate, and shade conditions, as well as provide detailed aftercare guidance to ensure your lawn thrives.
Final Thoughts
Laying new turf is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can do, but it takes a bit of know-how and commitment. In the first few weeks, consistent watering is key to helping the roots establish. Once your turf is settled, a well-timed fertilising routine will keep it thick, green, and resilient year-round.
If you’re looking for high-quality turf and expert advice on caring for it, Direct Turf in Sydney can help you every step of the way — from selection and soil preparation to ongoing maintenance tips. With the right start and proper care, your new lawn will grow strong, vibrant, and ready to enjoy for years to come.
