New Lawns
If you are about to install a new lawn, there are some things you should know about its early care. As with all plants, grass needs time to establish. The establishment phase is critical to the long term health and toughness of your lawn.
This web page is intended to help you establish your lawn properly so that it will provide many years of trouble free satisfaction while using the minimum amount of water. Remember the aim is to allow the lawn to develop a good, deep root system after which the watering can be eased back to the recommended Waterwise schedule.
Please Note: There are water efficiency measures in place for Western Australia. If you are establishing a lawn or garden you may apply for an exemption in order for it to become fully established. Please call 13 10 39 for more information.
Your new lawn can only achieve its full potential if some preparatory work is carried out prior to laying out rolls or runners or sowing seed.
Please check to make sure that
- You have chosen a water efficient and drought tolerant lawn, such as Couch, Saltene, Kikuyu or Buffalo.
- The soil has been improved by mixing organic matter with the soil to a minimum depth of 20cm. Compost makes great organic matter. This will increase the soil’s ability to retain moisture and nutrients. Loam or clay can be used instead of organic matter in coarse sandy soils. A lawn starter or general purpose fertiliser can be mixed through the soil at the same time.
- The soil is wet prior to placing the turf. If water puddles on the surface while the soil underneath is dry, then it will be necessary to treat the soil with a wetting agent.
- An efficient irrigation system which delivers an even application to the entire lawn area has been installed. Irrigation Australia (IA) members can help you with professional advice. Ring the Waterwise Infoline on 13 10 39 for a qualified person who works in your area. You can use Waterwise Catchcups to check the accuracy of and calibrate your watering system.
After Planting
After installation, the lawn needs frequent application of small amounts of water - until deep roots are established. The 'Seasonal Irrigation Schedules' tables shown later, refer to the frequency and amount of water to be applied. Since the application rates of different systems vary enormously, it is not possible to recommend how long sprinklers should be left turned on. Instead, the tables refer to millimetres (mm) depth of water - that is, the average depth of water collected in a few straight-sided containers, located randomly around your lawn. We suggest you use a set of Waterwise Catchcups to work out how long to run your sprinklers to provide a given depth of water. Catchcups are available from leading irrigation and turf suppliers. They come complete with simple instructions for use. If you have problems obtaining a set please ring the Water Corporation on 13 10 39 for your nearest stockist.
Seasonal Irrigation Schedules - New Lawns
The details which follow are calculated on the basis of average Perth weather conditions. They assume improved soil prior to turf installation, and a warm season grass.
Remember, there are water efficiency measures in place for Western Australia. If you are establishing a lawn or garden you may apply for an exemption in order for it to become fully established. Please call 13 10 39 for more information.
Autumn or Spring Establishment
March through May or September through November - a good time to establish a new lawn.
These suggestions are made on the basis of average weather conditions. On warmer days it may be necessary to give your lawn an extra watering. On wet days the sprinklers should be turned off.
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Winter Establishment
June through August - the ideal time to establish a new lawn.
These suggestions are made on the basis of average weather conditions. On rainy days take care not to apply any extra water.
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Summer Establishment
December through February - the most difficult time of year to establish a new lawn.
These suggestions are made on the basis of average weather conditions. On hot days it may be necessary to give your lawn an extra watering. Look for signs of wilting or the lawn changing colour to a blue-grey. Walking over lawns in severe stress will cause distinct footprints.
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Once your lawn is properly established you should reset your controller to the watering days allocated to your property.
Click on the relevant link below for the Watering Roster for your area.
Watering Roster Perth and Mandurah