When is best to mow and fertilise a new lawn?

Knowing when you should be mowing and fertilising a new lawn can be tricky especially with excessive summer growth making it appear that your grass is well established. We are going to explore further into the best timings for our new grass to help it reach its full potential.

When should I mow a new lawn?

Whether you have over-seeded an existing lawn or have completely sown a new lawn, knowing when to cut new grass seed is important for a healthy lawn. This is often due to the fact that the grass appears to have grown fast however if you were to look from overhead, you would notice that certain areas may be taking a little longer to grow.

It is recommended that you wait approximately 2-4 weeks after germination before considering mowing your lawn. It won’t be established at this stage, it could take 10-16 weeks before establishment and many cuts. 

When the new grass has reached a length of around 2-3 inches, it’s time to give it its first cut. The main thing to note at this point is not to cut it too short. Only take the top inch or so off the tips of the grass and leave plenty of growth, as overcutting could damage the new blades and lead to considerable die-back. Keep repeating these steps until fully established, you can then start working your way down in height slowly cut after cut.

What is the best setting to have my lawnmower on?

When it is time for your new lawn's first cut, it is vital that you have your mower in the right setting. On the first cut, you should have the mower in the highest setting possible. For every cut after this, you should lower the height to the recommended cutting height of your grass seed.

Why fertilise your lawn?

It is good practice to fertilise your lawn, as it encourages growth, colour and protection of the grass plant by adding beneficial nutrients. Having good plant nutrition results in healthier soil which in turn produces strong grass.

By providing the necessary nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, through fertilisation, you can ensure that your lawn remains lush, green, resilient and strong.

Lawn fertiliser not only makes your lawn look better, but it can also aid in your turf's recovery from wear & tear and adverse weather.

When should I fertilise a new lawn?

It is best to fertilise a new lawn when your new grass begins to grow, it will be green and lush and will most likely stay this way for the first couple of months of its life. It is important to remember, however, that grass is a living thing and requires nutrients to maintain its best appearance. 

Having a regular fertilising routine is key to keeping your lawn looking its best as well as protected from the different challenges each season brings.

• You are able to apply our A1 Lawn Ultimate Spring Summer Lawn Fertiliser when the grass is 6–8 weeks old or fully established.
• Ensure you mow the lawn 3-4 days BEFORE applying your fertiliser as this will help make it easier to see where you are spreading the product.
• Water in any fertiliser if there is no rain forecast as if left, the fertiliser can scorch your grass.
• Do not use feed, weed and moss killer products until your lawn is at least 6 months old from establishment.

Can I put fertiliser down with grass seed?

While it may be tempting to fertilise a newly seeded lawn area on the same day as sowing the seed, this isn't always the best approach. The weather can be quite unpredictable, and conditions that seem ideal at the time of sowing may change rapidly in the days that follow.

Applying fertiliser right away could do more harm than good if heavy rain or hot, dry spells occur shortly after. Nonetheless, with a bit of patience and careful monitoring of weather conditions, you can ensure your newly seeded lawn gets the ideal nutrient boost it needs to thrive.

Still want further advice on mowing and fertilising your new lawn? Contact one of our advisors, and they will be able to give you the help you need