Grass
Sow a lawn from scratch
Soil preparation, sowing, germination and first cut
A dense lawn starts below the grass. This guide covers the topsoil layer and texture, levelling, the right seed rate, sowing technique, watering during germination and the first cuts — with topsoil and establishment requirements from NfA and seed rates from DLF (NfA does not specify g/m²).
Ensure a proper layer of topsoil
Spread/level topsoil to a suitable thickness — NfA specifies a 25–40 cm topsoil layer as a starting point. For grass, the optimal texture is approx. 35–45 % coarse sand, 35–45 % fine sand, 12–18 % clay+silt and 3–5 % humus, and the optimal pH is 6.5–6.8 (NfA). Topsoil that is too thin or too hard gives a lawn that scorches every dry spring.
Topsoil layer25–40 cmpH6,5–6,8Topsoil3–5 %Cultivate and clear of stones
Cultivate the topsoil layer (max. 25 cm depth, NfA) and remove stones larger than 2.5 cm, which is the max. stone size in a lawn surface (NfA). At the same time, check that the dry bulk density is not too high — for grassed areas max. 1.5 g/cm³ (clayey) / 1.6 g/cm³ (sandy), so the topsoil is not packed too hard.
Max. stones in lawn2.5 cmDry bulk density, grass≤ 1.5–1.6 g/cm³Level and check levels and falls
Rake the area evenly and check levels and falls — lawn ±30 mm (±5 mm next to houses/paving, NfA). Evenness: gap under a 3 m straightedge no more than 2 cm for ornamental/sports lawns and 4 cm for utility lawns. Check that there is a fall away from the house and towards drainage.
Level tolerance±30 mm (±5 next to houses)Evenness, ornamental lawn≤ 2 cm / 3 mChoose approved seed
Use S-marked, approved lawn seed — group A for lawns, group B for meadow/nature areas. Choose the mixture according to use: sport/wear, ornamental lawn or shade. The mixture determines both the sowing rate and later maintenance.
Sow at the right rate
The guideline sowing rate for new sowing is 20–30 g/m² (2–3 kg per 100 m²) — DLF/supplier, as NfA does not give g/m². Calibrate the spreader to the rate and spread the seed crosswise (in two directions) so the area is covered evenly. Use the »Grass seed quantity« calculator.
New sowing20–30 g/m² (guideline)Press the seed in lightly
Sow on moist soil and avoid sowing in strong wind. Roll lightly or rake the seed in very lightly — the seed must be in contact with the soil but not buried. Good seed-to-soil contact is essential for even germination.
Keep moist during germination
Water gently immediately after sowing and keep the surface evenly moist until the seed germinates — typically 10–14 days. If the top layer of soil dries out in the meantime, the newly germinated seedlings die and bare patches appear.
Germination time≈ 10–14 daysMow for the first time and fertilise
Mow for the first time when the grass is 8–10 cm high — cut down to approx. 5 cm and never more than 1/3 of the height. Establishment fertiliser, guideline 2–4 kg NPK (e.g. 16-2-7) per 100 m² (DLF, follow the product). Check the establishment: at least 1 grass plant per cm² (NfA).
Cut at8–10 cm → 5 cmEstablishment requirements≥ 1 plant/cm²The first cut must be done with a sharp blade — a blunt blade rips the newly sprouted plants up by the roots.
Source
Based on Normer for anlægsgartnerarbejde 1992/2023 (topsoil layer, texture, pH, evenness, establishment requirements) and DLF/supplier-indicative seed and fertiliser.