Lawn guide
Why is my new turf turning yellow?
A bit of colour change in the first week or two can be normal. But if new turf is going yellow, straw-coloured or patchy, there's usually a clear reason, and most are easy to put right.
Common causes and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellowing all over, soil dry underneath | Not enough water | Water thoroughly every day until it greens up |
| Yellow edges and gaps between rolls | Drying out at the joints | Extra water on edges; fill gaps with topsoil |
| Yellow and soggy, water sitting on top | Too much water or poor drainage | Ease off watering; check drainage |
| Yellow patches in lines or squares | Something left on the lawn | Move it; the grass recovers in a week or two |
| Pale turf after a few weeks | Hungry grass | Apply a gentle lawn feed after six weeks |
| Yellow spots with dark green rings | Dog urine | Rinse spots with water |
Turf laid on poor ground
Turf laid over old grass, rubble or compacted clay often yellows because the roots can't reach good soil or water. This is why we prepare the ground properly before laying. If you've inherited a recently laid lawn that keeps struggling, the ground underneath is the first thing to check.
Gaps between rolls
Turf shrinks a little as it dries, so gaps at the joints are almost always a watering sign. Water more, especially along seams. Small gaps close up as the grass grows; larger ones can be filled with a mix of topsoil and a pinch of seed.
Mushrooms on new turf
Small mushrooms sometimes pop up in the first few weeks, especially after rain. They come from bits of organic matter in the soil and are harmless to the lawn. Brush them off or mow them, and keep children and pets from eating them. They disappear as the weather and soil dry.
When to worry
If turf stays yellow and the roots don't grip after three or four weeks of proper watering, or if it lifts easily like a carpet, something is wrong underneath. If we laid your lawn, send us photos and we'll help where we reasonably can.
Common questions
Is it normal for new turf to change colour?
A slight change in the first week as it settles in is normal. Bright yellow or straw-coloured turf isn't, and usually needs more water.
Will yellow turf go green again?
Usually, if the roots are alive. Keep watering and give it a week or two.