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I would think that after a month, the turf will be ready for a cut and will look all the better for it, as long as the ground was consolidated prior to laying and the turf was 'punned' down when laid. Most reputable turf growers will have fed the turf prior to lifting, however, we always add a base fertilizer (something like Growmore) prior to the final rake anyway. I would probably steer clear of too much Nitrogen until the root system has established.
a bit of temporary yellowing is almost unavoidable, nitrogen feeding could even burn it maybe
Should of had a pre-turf/seed low N fertiliser when being laid - would have encouraged stronger root growth.
Something like a 7:10:10 or 6:9:6. Do you know if this was applied at laying?
Mowing should be fine after 4 weeks - a very gentle high tidy - only take off 10-20% of height first cut.
Lawns have started to dry quickly the last few days, so make sure it's got enough water.
Talking about new turf, one of my customers wants his lawn returfed with some decent grass............A turfing contractor was recommended to me by the local turf supplier as didn't fancy doing the job myself. When I got him round to look at the job, he was just going to lift the old turf off and lay the new stuff directly on the old "base"............... no rotovation etc....... which I would have done if I hadn't sold my rotovator. I am right that the ground should be rotovated first and he's just trying to do some shortcut here which will cause problems in the future?
You are right of course Graham. 'Decent' grass deserves and requires decent preparation.
Its not the length of time after laying that is the issue it is the length of grass. To many people let the new turf get to long before they cut it. As long as the ground is not soft and the grass is not wet turf should be mown as soon as possible to maintain the normal height. If the grass is allowed to grow to tall before being cut you end up reducing the density of the turf.
The normal ratio is to cut 1/3rd of the overall height. The more grass is cut the better it will look. For a good quality lawn at least once or twice a week anything over that is just maintenance. If the new turf needs regular watering then you should water 48 hrs before cutting and immediately after.This should allow the ground to dry enough to walk over.
Jamie, I agree with the comments above, your turf should be settling in now and if you try lifting a corner you should feel the roots tugging against you, which is a good sign. Mow with a sharp blade to cut clean without further tugging. Reduce the height by 1/3 max and after several cuts settle at a cut height slightly taller than normal . This will give the roots some protection until well established. Watch the watering with this better weather, it is important to keep it moist . If you missed the pre-turf fertilising give it a light spring/summer top feed in another 2 weeks.
Commenting on the strip and relay method of turfing.... not good.. Many of the problems of the old lawn will still be there,.. deep rooted weeds., rubble, compaction, unevenness... etc Think again.