Lawn guide
When can I put garden furniture on new turf?
A new lawn is tempting to use straight away, especially in summer. Here's how long to wait before bringing out the table, chairs and trampoline, and how to stop them leaving their mark.
How long to wait
| Item | Wait at least | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Light chairs and a small table | 3 weeks | Move them every few days |
| Heavy table, bench or sun loungers | 4 to 6 weeks | Use feet pads or stand them on paving if you can |
| Trampoline | 6 weeks | Move it every week or two so the grass beneath gets light |
| Paddling pool | 6 weeks | Don't leave it in one place for more than a day |
| Swings, goalposts and climbing frames | 6 weeks or more | Anchor them once the turf has fully rooted |
| Garden parties and heavy foot traffic | 6 weeks | Water well the day before, not on the day |
Turf roots faster in warm, growing weather and slower in cool months, so allow extra time in autumn and winter.
Why waiting matters
New turf is sitting on the soil, not yet anchored into it. Heavy items press the rolls down unevenly and can leave dents that are hard to get out. Legs and feet can tear the turf if it's moved before the roots have taken. And anything that blocks light for days, like a paddling pool, turns the grass yellow underneath.
Protecting your lawn
Once it's established, a few habits keep a lawn looking good:
- Move furniture, trampolines and toys around regularly
- Put wide pads under table legs to spread the weight
- Don't leave paddling pools or covers down overnight
- Create a paved or gravel spot for a permanent table
- Water well in dry weather so the grass recovers quickly
If marks appear
Yellow patches under a pool or trampoline usually recover within a couple of weeks once light gets back to them. Dents can be eased by lifting the turf gently with a garden fork and watering.
Common questions
Can kids play on new turf?
Gentle play after about three weeks. Save football and running games for six weeks or so.
What about a hot tub?
A hot tub is far too heavy for a lawn. It needs a proper base such as paving or a concrete pad.