07/11/2024
When do I Mow after laying down a new lawn?
You’ve just laid down your new lawn, you’re probably wondering when is the right time to start mowing your lawn?
That depends on a few factors, such as what season you laid down the lawn, the type of turf, and the time it takes for the roots to settle in.
Fortunately, there’s a few guiding principles to make this choice easier.
When to mow after laying your new lawn:
Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid mowing your lawn for at least the first 7 to 14 days.
That’s because you need to give the lawn enough time for its roots to become established. On top of this, this timespan really only applies to the warmer seasons like summer. In winter, you could be waiting up to 6 weeks before the time is right to mow your lawn.
With that being said, how do you know when to mow your lawn? Here are some hints to help you answer that question.
1. Wait until the grass is 6cm tall -
This is typically a sign your lawn is ready to be mowed. It’s also important that you not let your lawn grow any higher than 6cm. Otherwise, the mowing process will be a lot tougher than it ought to be.
2. Mow when you can no longer lift the turf -
After an appropriate amount of time – based on your relevant season – test the strength of your turf.
Gently pull on the turf, and see if it lifts off the surface. If so, then you need to wait a bit longer before you can mow.
If the turf stays in place – or, let’s say, the blade of grass you pull on, breaks off – then you can start mowing. This means the turf has firmly established its roots, and you’re good to go.
To keep your lawn in pristine condition, only mow 1/3 of the leaf. This reduces the amount of stress that’s placed on the lawn, allowing it to maintain a firm, consistent grasp on the deep roots.
If you were to mow the grass too low, and you risk exposing the soil to the natural sunlight, you will thereby encourage the growth of weeds.
Therefore, keep your lawn at a reasonable height during all seasons!