The principles of lawn establishment
Soil Preparation
The preparation of the soil is important for establishing a good foundation. Remove stones and other undesired objects and smooth out the area so that the soil can be properly loosened and dug up to a depth of 100–150 mm. If need be, the soil can be loosened up moderately with fine sand. Apply spare fertilizer with phosphorous and potassium to the soil profile. In preliminary preparation likewise dispense the nutrients (NPK) in doses of 30–50 g/m2. When weeds subsequently emerge, clear them all away from the area either mechanically or with chemicals. Repeat this step if weeds appear again.
Sowing the Seeds
The appropriate selection of grass mixtures determines the qualities and character of the future lawn. The selection of grass mixtures should therefore never be underestimated.
Sowing can be done from spring up to the end of autumn with consideration of soil and climate conditions. Sow the seeds with a sowing machine or by hand. Before sowing, it is a good idea to mix the grass mixture seeds and divide them into two equal portions. The first portion of seeds should be sown lengthwise, and the second perpendicularly to the first. That way, a uniform sowing pattern is achieved.
After sowing the seeds, lightly rake to a depth of 2–3 mm. Pack down the surface with a garden roller, for instance. Water moderately until the grass emerges.
Depending on the grass mixture selected, the seeds should germinate in 20–35 days. The sowing rate of the grass mixture should be within a range of 10–30 g/m2 depending on the quality of soil preparation, type of grass mixture, and sowing technique.
Principles of Grass Seed Dosage while Sowing:
| Grass Seed Weight | For an Approx. Area of |
|---|---|
| 0.5 kg | 20 m2 |
| 1 kg | 40 m2 |
| 2 kg | 80 m2 |
| 10 kg | 400 m2 |
| 25 kg | 1 000 m2 |
Watering an Established Lawn
During germination of a newly established grass area, it is necessary to keep the topsoil layer constantly moist until the grass emerges. If the soil starts to form a crust during the germination period, it is essential to break it up carefully using a rake or fluted roller.
While watering, take heed that sown seeds do not start floating in the stream of water. For that reason, use a garden sprinkler with a fine spray. It is best to water intensively in the morning or evening hours.
Mowing the Lawn
A newly established lawn should be mowed at a height of approx. 80–100 mm and, as a rule, with a sharp instrument (scythe, sickle, or reaping knife). The height can maximally be lowered by one third of the total grass height. In the first cutting, liquidate at least 90 % of the individual weeds, which emerge at the same time as the grass seeds (weeds from the soil supply). After the third cutting of a newly established lawn, one may start mowing at the height desired. Repeat further mowing according to grass type and increase in grass mass at an average of 1 or 2 times per week.
Recommended Lawn Height:
| Lawn Type | Recommended Lawn Height |
|---|---|
| Newly Established Lawn | 60–70 mm (for the first three mows only) |
| Park Lawns | 40–60 mm |
| Sport Lawns | 25–35 mm |
| Technical Lawns | 50–70 mm |
| Professional Grass Lawns | |
| Football Fields | 25–35 mm |
| American Football | 25–35 mm |
| Rugby | 25–35 mm |
| Golf Courses | |
| Tee | 10–15 mm |
| Fairway | 25–30 mm |
| Forgreen (collar) | 10–15 mm |
| Green (putting green) | 5–8 mm |
| Rough | 30–70 mm |