EASY AFTER-CARE FOR YOUR NEWLY LAID INSTANT LAWN

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a brand-new lawn under your feet. Fresh, green and full of promise – it’s tempting to jump straight in and start enjoying it!

But those first few weeks are important. A little care early on makes all the difference in how well your lawn establishes and how good it looks long-term. Here are a few simple tips to help your newly laid instant lawn settle in and thrive.

Water effectively
Watering is essential in the early days, but how and when you water is just as important as how much. Avoid watering in the middle of the day as the heat can cause moisture to evaporate too quickly and may stress or scorch your new lawn.

For the first week after installation, water deeply once a day, preferably early in the morning or later in the afternoon. This encourages the roots to grow down into the soil, helping the lawn anchor itself properly.

Use compost to even things out
A light layer of compost can help level out small humps or dips and encourage strong root growth. Using the back of a rake, gently pull compost across the lawn to fill any gaps – take your time and keep the layer thin.

As the grass grows through, you can repeat the process. It’s a simple step, but it makes a big difference to both appearance and long-term health.

Hold off on mowing
It’s tempting to hurry and give your new lawn its first cut, but patience pays off here. Wait until the grass has rooted properly before mowing.

A good test is to gently lift a corner of the grass – if it still lifts easily, it’s not ready yet. Once the lawn feels firmly anchored, set your mower to its highest setting and give it a light trim, just taking off the tips.

Top dress again after the first mow
After that first gentle cut, another thin layer of compost helps boost root development and encourages thicker, healthier growth. This final step helps your lawn establish evenly and keeps it looking lush as it settles in.

With the right care in those early weeks, your instant lawn will reward you with strong roots, even growth and a beautiful green finish!

If you need quality compost, topsoil or fresh grass to support your garden this season, be sure to chat to us on office@evangrass.co.za or (031) 785 1388.