A dense lawn requires the right topsoil layer, the right seed rate and fertilisation. NfA's establishment requirement is at least 1 grass plant per cm². Here is how you get there.
Introduction
A good lawn starts beneath the grass: an even, adequately deep topsoil layer with the right texture and pH (see »Topsoil and growing layer«), so the seed can germinate and the roots can develop. Lawn grass must be S-labelled and approved — group A for lawns, group B for meadow/natural areas.
Seeding rate (guideline)
- 01New sowing: approx. 2–3 kg per 100 m² (≈ 20–30 g/m²).
- 02Eftersåning: ca. 1–3 kg pr. 100 m² (≈ 10–30 g/m²) afhængigt af slitage.
NfA does not specify g/m² — the rates come from DLF/suppliers and depend on the seed mix and the season. Use the »Grass-seed quantity« calculator and adjust the rate to suit your mix.
Fertilising (guideline)
Maintenance typically 2–3 kg per 100 m² per fertilisation (NPK with micronutrients, e.g. 16-2-7 or 17-2-7); new lawns up to approx. 4 kg per 100 m². Follow the product's instructions.
Installation and evenness requirements (NfA 1992)
- 01Result requirement after establishment: at least 1 grass plant per cm² (a dense sward).
- 02Drainage: the area must be able to shed 20 mm/hour without standing water remaining on the surface.
- 03Evenness (gap under a 3 m straightedge): ornamental lawn/sports lawn 2 cm, utility lawn 4 cm, common grass 7 cm, natural grass 10 cm.
- 04Max. stone size in surface: lawn 2.5 cm, meadow/natural 5 cm.
Seed mixtures — select by use
The seed mix determines what the lawn can withstand. DLF and other suppliers sell blends composed for different purposes — choose based on wear, light and desired appearance (and use the S-mark, approved seed):
- 01Ornamental turf / fine turf: fine-leaved species (red fescue and creeping red fescue) produce a dense, uniform lawn — attractive but less hard-wearing.
- 02Sports turf: common ryegrass (hard-wearing, germinates quickly) mixed with creeping red fescue, which sends out runners and repairs wear.
- 03Shade mix: species that tolerate less light for lawns under trees and on north-facing facades.
- 04Meadow and landscape mix: species-rich blends for natural and common grass, mowed infrequently (NfA group B).
Artificial grass as alternative
If the lawn needs to be usable quickly, turf (ready-made grass) is an alternative to seeding. It provides a finished grass surface from day one but still requires a well-prepared growing layer:
- 01Prepare even, slightly damp soil as for sowing; rolled turf does not hide unevenness.
- 02Lay the rollers close and staggered (brick bond), without gaps and without overlap.
- 03Roll lightly so the grass makes contact with the ground, and water heavily the first weeks until roots take hold.
- 04Cut first when grass is well established — and never too short the first time.
Establishing step by step
- 011. Prepare the growing layer: even soil of the required thickness with correct texture and pH (see "Soil and growing layer").
- 022. Remove stones and weeds and fine-plane so the surface is even.
- 033. Then with the right seeding amount in two directions for even coverage, or lay turf.
- 044. Sweep/rake the seed lightly down and roll for good soil contact.
- 055. Water evenly and keep the soil moist during the germination period (typically the first 3–4 weeks).
- 066. Cut first time when grass is approx. 8–10 cm and take only the top.
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