Watering New Lawns
The amount of water recommended to establish a home lawn hinges on soil moisture content, soil and air temperature, wind, and germination requirements of different grass seed types. Wether establishing a fresh lawn from seed, sod, plugs, or sprigs, the same watering practices apply, regardless of establishment method.
Soil conditions
Heavy clay soils are slow to absorb water but may be loosened by incorporating organic matter, such as peat moss or compost. Organic matter also improves sandy soil by increasing water and nutrient holding properties. A starter fertilizer containing a high amount of phosphorous ought to be integrated into the soil as well. Phosphorous promotes seed germination and good root formation. A good soil sample analysis will be your guide for determining the amount of soil amendments and fertilizer your new lawn will be needing.
Watering newly planted grass
Grass that is planted at the ideal time makes use of water most efficiently during establishment. September is right for cool-season grasses just like tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Spring to early Summer months are preferred for warm season grasses which includes bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass. Seeding rates are important. If grass seed is planted too thickly, individual plants contend for moisture however if planted too thinly, establishment time may be slowed down. Before planting grass seed you need to ensure that your soil contains adequate moisture. Follow these steps to insure good soil moisture and incorporation of organic matter and fertilizer before planting.
1.Wet soil thoroughly and let drain for 2 days.
2.Roto-till soil as deep as possible.
3.Wet soil again and let drain for another 2 days.
4.Pull any weeds that germinate.
5.Roto-till once more.
6.Add organic matter and grass fertilizer onto tilled soil.
7.Roto-till one more time and as deep as you can.
During the entire process, make sure that you pick out any weeds, stones, sticks, old grass clumps, or anything else that can surface after working-up the soil.
After seeding, continue to keep grass seed moist until it germinates and becomes established. Initially, keep the seed bed surface moist with repeated, light irrigation, except when rainfall takes place. Light watering a few times daily or more may be required to maintain the seed bed moist. Grass seed that begins to germinate, then simply dries out, can die. It’s okay to water newly seeded bluegrass or tall fescue in the late evening in the fall. As a result water is utilized more efficiently by keeping the seedbed moist throughout the night and into the following morning. In colder weather of early to mid-fall, night time watering is not as likely to promote disease.
As the grass grows
After your young grass begins to grow, extend the length of time between irrigation cycles, however apply more water every time. When germination is complete and your grass is one inch tall, stretch out the watering time period to every other day, applying 1/4 inch of water every time. During the second week after complete germination, water every third day, applying 1/2 inch of water per irrigation. Afterward, one inch of water every 5 to 7 days should support the stand of new grass plants. If you happen to be located in a hot and dry region, you need to water with greater frequency.
Plant maturity
Both sodded and seeded cool season grasses, like tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass, must be watered regularly the first summer after planting. Warm season grasses like bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and buffalo grass also need frequent watering during establishment, and possibly everyday as soon as the summer days start getting really hot.
Newly laid sod
Water newly installed sod as you would a newly seeded lawn – frequently enough to keep the area between the sod and soil moist until new roots knit to the soil. When the sod can no longer be picked up by grasping it with your hand, it is rooted. As roots grow deeper, extend the watering interval.
Plugs or sprigs
Water plugs and sprigs the same as seeded lawns. Keep soil moist until rooting has occurred, and then wait longer between waterings.
For specific information and resources on planting grass seed in your state, visit the Planting Grass Seed Center today!
