What to Do on Day 1 of Laying Your New Turf

The first day after laying your fresh turf is critical to its future success. Taking the right steps immediately will give your lawn the best chance to establish itself and thrive.

Step-by-Step Day 1 Lawn Care

Step 1: Fertilise Before You Start
Before the turf hits the ground, give your soil a head start with a specialised starter fertiliser. Opt for one that’s rich in phosphorus to promote strong root development, and light on nitrogen to avoid rapid leaf growth. Consider ordering LawnPride Underturf Starter Fertiliser along with your turf, and we’ll deliver it together to make things easy.

Step 2: Get Your Turf Laid Quickly
Timing is everything when it comes to laying turf. Don’t let it sit on the pallet for too long – this can cause pallet burn, leading to unsightly dead patches. Lay it as soon as possible to keep your turf fresh and full of life, like a perfectly toasted slice of bread. Any delay can lead to a scorched, patchy lawn.

Step 3: Lay in a Brick Formation
When laying your new turf, place it in a staggered, brick-like pattern. This method helps prevent soil erosion and encourages even growth across your lawn. If you’re laying turf on a slope, this formation is even more important to stop water from flowing through gaps. Check our our guide: Turf Laying 101.

Step 4: Roll to Eliminate Air Pockets
Once laid, the turf needs a good roll to ensure the roots make firm contact with the soil. If you don’t have a roller, no worries – you can hire one from your local landscape supplier or Facebook Marketplace. Even walking or shuffling over the lawn will help press out air pockets and improve soil contact.

Step 5: Water Right Away
Immediately after laying your turf, give it a deep watering to keep the soil beneath moist. You’ll want to ensure that the soil stays damp, especially in the first few days. Depending on the weather and time of day, you may need to water a few times to keep the turf happy and hydrated.