How to treat newly laid turf turning yellow?

[akk]

 

  

Hi All,

I laid new turf in my backyard approximately six weeks ago at my home in Sydney.

Unfortunately, the area receives limited sunlight due to surrounding buildings.

Following recent rainfall, I've noticed the turf is turning yellow and showing minimal new growth. I'm concerned about its health and would appreciate your advice on how to improve its condition and encourage healthy growth.

I've attached photos for your reference.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Regards

AKK

[JacobZ]

Hi @akk,

Just a couple of questions to start. 

What variety of turf did you put down? How frequently have you been watering it? How many hours of sunlight would you estimate it receives a day when it is not raining?

Just to reassure you, there is certainly some browning, but not enough that I would be hugely concerned.

If you find the corner of a turf slab and give it a gentle tug, does it lift at all?,

I would say the answer is no. It appears it is established because I can't see any obvious lines from the turf slabs. I would say the browning is just because there hasn't been as much sun in the last week or so.

At this point, I would continue watering your lawn for around 30 minutes a day and consider giving it its first mow in the next week or so.

Considering we have just come into spring and the temperatures will start to heat up, you should see some greener growth shortly.

In short, don't panic, your lawn is not dead, and with the increased temperatures you should see in the next month, it will start to grow. If you are still concerned in a couple of weeks, applying a lawn fertiliser should help kick it in to gear.

Just make sure you keep up the water.

Allow me to tag @Noelle and @robchin to see if they have any thoughts.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @akk 

In addition to the sound advice given by Jacob, in my opinion the turf looks very dry. Newly installed turf needs good watering at least every day for the first few weeks, until its roots have developed and grown down into the soil beneath. Not just a sprinkle daily - a reasonably good soaking to encourage deep rooting.

In addition to a lawn starter fertiliser, the watering regime above should soon see your lawn greening up.

[akk]

Hi All,

Thank you for the response.

I laid Buffalo grass and have been watering it daily since day one. The section in the backyard receives only 2–3 hours of sunlight each day, while the front yard laid at the same time gets much better sun exposure and looks noticeably greener.

Regards

AKK

[JacobZ]

Hi @akk,

With less sun exposure, unfortunately, you will have to expect it to perform slightly worse than the areas receiving more sun.

Warmer weather will certainly help. Fertiliser will also help, but you shouldn't rush into it as it can damage young roots.

I would give it another couple of weeks before you start trying to address anything. Keep up the watering and have patience, I am sure it will be fine.

Jacob