Lawn Care Tips & Maintenance Guide

Keeping your lawn lush and green requires more than just installation. At Top Class Instant Lawns and Projects, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you maintain your lawn, keep it healthy, and get the best value from your investment.

Proper watering is key to helping your new lawn establish strong roots. For the first 2–3 weeks, water the lawn daily, preferably early morning or late afternoon to keep the soil moist but not soggy. After the lawn establishes, reduce watering to 2–3 times per week, depending on the weather. Deep watering is better than frequent light watering, as it encourages deeper root growth.

Do not mow your new lawn until it’s fully rooted—usually about 2 to 3 weeks after installation. When ready, make sure the mower blades are sharp and never cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Regular mowing encourages healthy, thick growth and discourages weeds.

To keep your lawn thick and vibrant, regular fertilizing is essential. About 3–4 weeks after installation, begin feeding your lawn using a balanced lawn fertilizer to promote healthy root and leaf growth. Apply fertilizer every 6–8 weeks during the growing season.

In addition to commercial fertilizers, well-rotted organic manure or compost can be used to enrich the soil naturally. Manure adds essential nutrients and improves soil structure, especially when applied during soil preparation or as a light top dressing in spring and autumn. Avoid using fresh manure, as it can burn the lawn or introduce weeds.

Always water the lawn after applying fertilizer or manure to help it absorb into the soil and avoid leaf burn. A healthy feeding routine strengthens your lawn’s resistance to drought, weeds, and disease.

Weeds are  a very big problem for your lawn. They compete for water , nutrients  and sunlight . A healthy, dense lawn is the best natural defense against weeds. Proper watering and feeding help your grass grow thick and strong, making it harder for weeds to find space, sunlight, and nutrients to grow. When your lawn is well-fed and regularly watered, it develops a deeper root system and fuller coverage, which chokes out emerging weeds before they spread.

Aeration is the process of loosening compacted soil to allow better airflow, water absorption, and nutrient penetration to the grass roots. Over time, soil can become hard and compacted—especially in high-traffic areas—making it difficult for roots to grow and absorb what they need.

By using tools like a garden fork, spike roller, or a core aerator, small holes are punched or cores are removed from the soil. This breaks up the compacted layers, improves drainage, and allows roots to spread deeper and stronger. Looser soil also helps beneficial microbes thrive, which contributes to healthier, greener lawns.

Watch for signs of pests (like ants, cutworms) or diseases (brown patches, mold). A healthy lawn resists these problems, but if issues arise, consult a professional or use appropriate treatment products. Early detection is key.

Taking care of your lawn throughout the year is essential for keeping it healthy and looking its best. Each season brings different conditions that require specific attention. In spring, it’s all about recovery. After the stress of winter, lawns need a boost — this includes dethatching if necessary, applying a balanced fertilizer, and reseeding any thin or bare patches. Regular watering and mowing also begin in this season.

Summer focuses on maintenance. Lawns grow quickly, so consistent mowing (without cutting too short), deep watering in the early morning, and keeping an eye out for pests or dry patches is key. It’s also best to avoid heavy fertilization during extreme heat to prevent burning the grass.

In autumn (fall), preparation for the cold months is vital. This is a great time to fertilize again, overseed, and continue mowing until growth slows. Fallen leaves should be raked up to prevent them from smothering the grass.

Winter is mostly about protection. Growth slows down or stops, so avoid heavy foot traffic on the grass and keep it clear of debris. If it’s a frost-prone area, don’t mow or disturb the lawn when it’s frozen.