Weeks 3–6

Watering

• Reduce to 2–3 deep watering sessions per week

First Mow

• Only mow once turf is firm underfoot and a minimum of 60–70mm high
• Remove no more than one-third of the grass blade
• Ensure mower blades are sharp

Ongoing Turf Care

Watering

• Summer: 1–2 deep waters per week
• Cooler months: reduce as required
• Adjust for rainfall

Mowing

• Regular mowing promotes healthy growth
• Avoid scalping the lawn

Fertilising

• Apply slow-release lawn fertiliser every 3–4 months
• Top dress annually (see separate sheet)

Weeds

• Hand-remove weeds early
• Use selective herbicides only once turf is well established

Aeration

• High-use lawns benefit from annual aeration to reduce compaction

2. GARDEN BEDS & PLANTING

• Water regularly during the first 6–8 weeks
• Top up mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Light pruning encourages healthy growth
• Replace failed plants early to prevent gaps forming

3. IRRIGATION SYSTEM (IF INSTALLED)

• Check timers seasonally (summer vs winter)
• Inspect sprinklers and drip lines for blockages or misalignment
• Adjust run times to suit weather conditions
• Monitor water coverage after mowing or gardening

4. RETAINING WALLS, EDGING & HARD SURFACES

• Keep drainage outlets clear
• Do not allow soil to build up against retaining walls
• Hose down paving and concrete periodically to prevent staining
• Avoid placing heavy loads near retaining walls

5. GENERAL NOTES

• Landscaping is a living system and will change over time
• Seasonal variations in growth and colour are normal
• Most issues arise from:
  • Under-watering during establishment
  • Over-watering once established
  • Mowing too early or too low

6. WARRANTY & CARE RESPONSIBILITY

Once practical completion has occurred:

• Ongoing maintenance becomes the responsibility of the owner
• Damage caused by lack of watering, misuse, or external factors is not covered
• Early maintenance issues should be addressed promptly to avoid long-term damage

What Happens If Turf Is Not Top Dressed?

Top dressing is not mandatory for turf survival; however, failure to top dress over time can lead to progressive decline in lawn performance, particularly in Hunter and Newcastle clay soil conditions.

Uneven Lawn Surface

Without top dressing:

• Low spots and minor depressions are not corrected
• Turf joins may become more visible over time
• The lawn can develop uneven areas and minor trip hazards — this is common on cut-and-fill sites and new estates

Increased Soil Compaction

Clay-based soils naturally compact over time. Without top dressing:

• Foot traffic and mowing compress the soil
• Root growth remains shallow
• Water, air, and nutrients struggle to penetrate — the turf may survive but will not thrive

Poor Drainage

Compacted and uneven lawns often:

• Hold surface water after rainfall
• Develop soggy or waterlogged patches
• Experience root stress and increased disease risk

Thinning Turf and Reduced Wear Tolerance

Over time, turf that is not top dressed may:

• Thin in high-use areas
• Struggle during hot or dry periods
• Develop bare patches that invite weed growth

Increased Weed Presence

As turf density reduces:

• Weeds establish more easily
• Ongoing weed control becomes reactive rather than preventative — a dense, level lawn is the best natural weed defence

Reduced Lawn Quality and Lifespan

Lawns that are not top dressed typically:

• Require more frequent watering and fertilising
• Feel uneven underfoot
• Decline faster than properly maintained lawns

Local Performance Expectation (Hunter / Newcastle)

• Lawns not aerated or top dressed often show decline within 2–3 years
• Lawns that are aerated and top dressed as required can perform well for 10+ years

Failure to top dress turf may result in uneven surfaces, poor drainage, soil compaction, increased weed invasion, and a reduced turf lifespan, particularly in clay soil conditions common to the Hunter and Newcastle regions.