Having new lawn installed can be a significant investment, and so you need to do everything you can to ensure that it establishes itself as soon as possible. The weather can play a significant role when it comes to the health of your new lawn. So what should you do if your lawn installation takes place and then your region is subjected to torrential rain? And what if there's a period of drought when your new lawn is installed? Here's what you need to know about caring for your new lawn when the weather might not be your best friend.

Looking Ahead

Check the weather forecast prior to having the lawn installed. Is there any extreme weather on the horizon? Sometimes it can be best to delay the installation until such time as the weather is favourable. This can mean that you might even want to wait until summer is over, if possible. You should speak with the company that will be laying your new lawn. They will be able to give you their professional opinion as to whether the expected weather warrants a delay. You should also be aware that if you delay the installation then you might need to wait until such time as they have another available appointment for installation.

Heavy Rain

While new turf will appreciate a good soaking and in fact needs it to establish itself, an extended period of torrential rain can cause damage. The danger is that the sod (the new grass and the soil attached to its root system) will not mesh with the topsoil. The rain could conceivably penetrate the sod and gather on the topsoil, essentially causing segments of the installed turf to detach from topsoil. While it won't quite float away, the roots of the sod will not easily be able to attach themselves to the topsoil. Speak with the company installing your lawn about the best way to compact the sod into the topsoil in the event of heavy rain. This can be a delicate process, and it might be necessary to obtain a pair of lawn aerator shoe attachments. These are long spikes on a base that are attached to your shoes. You then simply walk across your lawn. The spikes penetrate the dirt, allowing the sod to mix with the topsoil.

Extreme Sun

But what about if there is too much sun after the lawn has been installed? While you should water the new lawn with a frequency recommended by the company that installed it, this is not always so straightforward. You should check to see if there are any water restrictions in effect in your local area. Contact your local council if you are not sure. If a water restriction is in place that prevents you from watering your lawn, you might need to collect grey water from your shower and washing machine and apply it to your lawn with a watering can. This can be very time-consuming, but it's better than jeopardising the health of your new lawn.

Hopefully the weather conditions will be absolutely perfect when your new lawn is installed. But just in case it isn't, it's good to know what to do.