So, your new turfed lawn is growing and you think it’s time to cut it. Cutting a new turf for the first time is a slightly technical job that requires some extra attention. However, mowing is an inseparable part of your routine lawn care. Just about everyone wants a lush green lawn full of grass and no weeds, and this demands care.
In this post, we’re going to explain things you need to know about turf cutting and what precautions you need to take when cutting your newly established lawn. As a leading destination for decking and lawn maintenance in the UK, we’re happy to provide you with professional lawn maintenance advice. Let’s get down to it and see what you should and shouldn’t do while cutting your newly laid lawn:
How to cut a new turf
Mowing is an essential task when it comes to establishing a new lawn. When you remove the tips of the leaves, it helps plants grow more blades. You want a more denser and attractive sward. Don’t you? A thick sward makes it really hard for unwanted plants to grow in your garden.
However, it’s critical to mow your new lawn the right way to get better results down the road. Small mistakes can seriously slow down your lawn’s development. From preparing the ground for laying turf to turf laying and maintenance, you need to put a lot of effort into establishing a sound and lush green lawn.
Here are some valuable tips that will help you avoid mistakes and get the job done in a professional way:
Determine the right time
When should you cut your new grass turfing after harvesting? If you have this question, you’re not alone because a lot of people find it hard to figure out the right to cut the new turf.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question because it largely depends on how quickly your grass has grown. But if the weather is warm, you may need to mow your lawn as early as 5-10 days after laying. Some households prefer to wait a bit too long before carrying out the first cut.
If you like your lawn height to be 25mm, then you should wait until the grass reaches a length of 30-35mm. Likewise, if you want your lawn height to be somewhere around 35mm, then wait until it reaches the height of 45mm.
Related: Check when is the most appropriate time for laying turf.
Ensure your new turf is properly established
We understand that newly laid turf is delicate. If you cut new turf before it gets properly established, your lawn wouldn’t live up to your expectations. So, wait until your lawn is established and ready to be cut. If you use a rotary mower, it will lift the turf that hasn’t been rooted yet.
Check whether or not your new turf has rooted. Generally speaking, a newly laid turf can take up to 3 weeks to establish itself. You can tug test your grass to see if the grass has properly rooted in the soil. If you feel resistance during that test, your lawn is ready to mow.
Use a lawnmower with sharp blades
If your new turf is ready to be cut, be sure to clean and sharpen the blades of your lawnmower before using it. Why is it important? A blade that isn’t sharp enough is more likely to tear and rip your brand-new grass. It will make your lawn develop a white-yellow appearance. Besides, damaged grass is vulnerable to diseases and insect attacks. So, don’t let a blunt lawnmower ruin your new lawn.
Get the turf-cutting job done on a nice, sunny day
It would be a bad idea to cut your new turf after heavy rain makes your lawn soggy and muddy. Choose a warm day when your lawn is dry. The lawnmower doesn’t work well on wet grass. Besides, you can damage your new turf if it’s not dry.
A quick tip: Cut no more than a quarter of the length. And don’t forget to water your lawn after you’re done with turf cutting.
Can I cut new turf after 2 weeks?
If you’re following the best lawn care maintenance practices, you’ll notice your new turf begins to root firmly into the soil after about a week or ten days. If your new turf is firm and established, you can cut your turf after 2 weeks. You can also ask professionals who provide turfing services in London.
The first couple of weeks after turf laying demands the utmost lawn care. Here is what has happened to your new grass: the turf you see in your lawn was growing in a field before someone harvested it. It’s not a pleasant experience for a plant to experience such migration.
However, the grass is tough and starts growing roots right after it finds a friendly environment. But you need to give your new turf some time to settle down. It is recommended to water your new grass daily or twice a day if the weather is really hot.
How to use a turf cutter
If you’re new to lawn mowing, you’re probably wondering how to use a turf cutter the right way. The following is a brief step-by-step guide on how to use a grass remover:
- First up, choose the right mowing height. Set the blades to the highest setting when cutting your new turf. As we mentioned earlier, don’t remove more than one-third of the grass blade.
- Read the manufacturer’s manual to understand how to operate the machine.
- Make sure there are no loose nuts and all the levers are set to the right setting.
- Check fuel and oil levels. Also, there should be no loose or damaged wires.
- After setting the blade depth and angle, turn on the switch to drive the turf forward and start cutting the turf.
Final thoughts
So, are you ready to cut your new turf? We hope this guide will help you along the process. If you’re looking for a professional lawn mowing service in London, feel free to contact us!