Lawn care guide after hydroseeding or roll-out turf installation to ensure you have a healthy, lush lawn
Caring for your new lawn is crucial to ensuring strong root establishment and long-term growth. Whether you’ve chosen hydroseeding or roll-out ready lawn, the first few months—and up to the first year—are essential in determining the success of your investment. Wellington Hydroseeding provides full lawn care instructions, but if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
The First Month: Watering and Germination
💧 Keep the hydroseeded area moist throughout the germination period.
💧 Water at least twice daily—around 10 am and 2 pm—for the best results.
💧 A sprinkler system with a timer can help maintain consistent moisture levels.
💧 Avoid walking on the newly seeded area as much as possible to prevent soil compaction.
💧 Adjust watering based on weather conditions—water more in dry periods and less when it rains.
Initial mowing
🚜 Remove all clippings from the area and avoid sharp turns with the lawn mower. Watch for weeds and if using a herbicide make sure it's appropriate for a new lawn.
🚜 Gradually lower the mowing height over several sessions to reach your preferred lawn length.
🚜 Avoid cutting too much at once—reduce the height gradually to maintain lawn health.
Long-term Maintenance
🟢 After the first few mows, transition to deeper, less frequent watering to encourage strong root growth. Follow our seasonal guide below.
🟢 Apply a fertiliser around the 5-6 week mark to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth. Our recommended fertiliser can also be purchased through us or your local lawn care/garden store.
🟢 Regularly monitor your lawn for weeds and pests, treating them as needed.
The First Month: Watering Schedule
💧 Day 1: Water heavily—almost to the point of saturation.
💧 Weeks 1–2: Water 2+ times a day between 7am and 2pm.
💧 Week 3: Reduce to once daily after the first mowing.
💧 Week 4: Water every other day or less.
💧 Week 5 onward: Adjust watering based on the season and weather conditions.
💧 Avoid walking on the turf during the initial establishment period, as this can disrupt root development.
Initial Mowing
🚜 Begin mowing as soon as the grass shows growth but avoid letting it grow too long.
🚜 Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.
🚜 Maintain a mowing height range relative to your grass type/species. If you are uncertain, please contact us for guidance.
Long-term Maintenance
🟢 Apply a fertiliser around the 5-6 week mark to replenish nutrients and promote healthy growth. Our recommended fertiliser can also be purchased through us or your local lawn care/garden store.
🟢 Regularly monitor your lawn for weeds and pests, treating them as needed.
Seasonal lawn care guide for Wellington's climate
Caring for your lawn doesn’t stop after the establishment phase—ongoing maintenance throughout the year ensures a thick, green, and healthy lawn. Wellington’s temperate maritime climate means cool, wet winters and mild, dry summers, so adjusting your lawn care routine seasonally is essential. By following this seasonal care guide, you’ll keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and looking its best year-round. If you need advice tailored to your lawn’s specific needs, reach out to Wellington Hydroseeding.
🌞 Summer (December – February)
- Mow regularly but keep the blades higher (4–5 cm) to prevent stress.
- Water deeply once or twice a week in the early morning to combat dry conditions.
- Use a slow-release fertiliser if the lawn shows signs of stress.
- Spot-treat weeds and monitor for pests.
🍂 Autumn (March – May)
- Gradually lower mowing height (to 3-4 cm) as temperatures cool
- Aerate the lawn to improve drainage and oxygen flow.
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in early autumn and a slow-release fertiliser in late autumn to strengthen roots for winter.
- Remove leaves and debris to prevent fungal growth.
- Overseed if needed to thicken the lawn before winter.
❄️ Winter (June – August)
- Mow minimally—only when necessary—to avoid stressing dormant grass.
- Avoid walking on frozen or waterlogged lawns to prevent damage.
- Monitor for pests like grass grubs and apply treatments if needed.
- Avoid watering unless there’s an extended dry spell.
- Keep the lawn clear of leaves and debris.
- In late winter, apply a balanced fertiliser, and aerate the lawn to prepare for spring growth.
🌱 Spring (September – November)
- Resume regular mowing as growth accelerates.
- Start targeting broadleaf weeds and treat weeds aggressively before they spread.
- Apply a nitrogen-rich fertiliser to promote lush green growth.
- Overseed thin areas to thicken the lawn before summer.
- Increase watering as rainfall decreases and the weather warms.