Caring for a new lawn in Durham and Wearside
Four jobs, in order. None of them is hard, and each one counts while the roots are going down.
This is a guide only, and it won't fit every garden or every week. In extreme weather, from a heatwave or long dry spell to heavy downpours, hard frosts or frozen ground, rethink the watering and how often the lawn's used.
The four jobs
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Get it down
Your turf was cut for the day you chose. Lay it that day, or as soon as you're able, with the waiting rolls kept cool and shaded.
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Soak it
Water the whole lawn well the minute it's laid. After that, don't let it dry out.
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Stay off
The roots tend to need two to four weeks to knit, more or less depending on the weather. Children, dogs and footballs wait until they have.
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Mow it high
Hold off until it has rooted. Then put the mower on its high setting and trim just the tips.
Durham weather and your watering
Wet, grey spells are part of life round here, and on days like that your turf needs less from you. A dry, breezy week is the opposite and calls for more. Watch the weather rather than the calendar.
Whether it's a colliery terrace or a newer estate garden, look at the ground on delivery day as well. If it's frozen or waterlogged when your turf comes, wait, and lay it once the ground has recovered.
When it gets extreme in either direction, adapt the care and go easy on the lawn until things settle.