Caring for your new garden

Moving into a brand-new home is an exciting milestone. Everything is fresh, clean and ready for you to make it your own – including your garden.

‍

While your new lawn and landscaped areas may already look established, it's important to remember they're still very young. Like any new planting, they need a little extra care during their first year to help them establish strong roots and thrive for years to come.

‍

Here's our guide to keeping your new build garden looking its best.

‍

Give Your Lawn Time to Establish

‍

New build lawns are typically laid as turf or freshly seeded shortly before your home is completed. Although they may look ready to use, the roots are still developing beneath the surface.

‍

For the first few weeks:

‍

• Avoid heavy foot traffic where possible.
• Keep children and pets off the lawn until it's well established.
• Don't place trampolines, paddling pools or heavy garden furniture on the grass.

‍

The more time the roots have to establish, the healthier and stronger your lawn will become.

‍

Water Properly

‍

One of the most important jobs during the first few months is watering.

‍

Rather than watering little and often, give your lawn and plants a deep soak once or twice a week during dry weather. This encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, making them more resilient during warmer months.

‍

Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, helping to reduce evaporation.

‍

If we've experienced prolonged hot or dry weather, your lawn may naturally turn brown. This doesn't necessarily mean it's dead. Most lawns recover well once rainfall returns.

‍

‍

Mow Little and Often

‍

When your lawn reaches around 75-100mm (3-4 inches) high, it's ready for its first cut.

‍

Keep your mower blades sharp and only remove around one-third of the grass height each time. Cutting too short can stress new grass and slow its development.

‍

Regular mowing encourages thicker, healthier growth.

‍

Feed Your Lawn

‍

Once your lawn has become established, applying a suitable lawn fertiliser in spring and autumn can help maintain a healthy green appearance.

‍

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overfeeding, particularly during hot weather.

‍

‍

Keep Weeds Under Control

‍

It's perfectly normal for a few weeds to appear during the first year.

‍

Remove individual weeds by hand where possible. Avoid using strong weed killers on newly established lawns unless they're specifically designed for young turf.

‍

Regular mowing will also help prevent many common weeds from taking hold.

‍

Look After Your Plants

‍

Trees, shrubs and planted borders also need a little extra attention during their first year.

‍

Remember to:

• Water regularly during dry spells.
• Remove any dead flowers or damaged growth.
• Keep planting beds free from weeds.
• Apply mulch if needed to help retain moisture.

‍

Newly planted trees may also have support stakes in place. These shouldn't be removed until the tree has become firmly established.

‍

‍

Protect Your Garden During Wet Weather

‍

New build gardens can be more susceptible to damage while the ground settles.

‍

Try to avoid walking repeatedly over soft, waterlogged grass, as this can create ruts and compact the soil.

‍

If you're planning landscaping projects such as patios, sheds or decking, consider waiting until your lawn has fully established to avoid unnecessary damage.

‍

Be Patient

‍

One of the biggest misconceptions about new build gardens is that they should look fully mature straight away.

‍

In reality, gardens continue to develop over time. Grass thickens, shrubs grow, trees establish stronger root systems and planted areas become fuller with each season.

‍

With regular watering, mowing and general care, your garden will continue to improve year after year.

‍

‍

Enjoy Your New Outdoor Space

‍

Your garden is an extension of your new home. By giving it a little extra attention during its first year, you'll help create a healthy, attractive outdoor space that you can enjoy for many years to come.

‍

A little patience now goes a long way towards creating a lawn and garden you'll be proud of.

‍

Got a vision you'd like to bring to life?

‍

If you've got big plans for your new outdoor space, and need support from our expert team to help bring it to life - get in touch with us today.

‍

‍