TURFGRASS WATERING & CARE FOR NEW SOD
2018 Perennial turfgrasses are some of the most hardy
and durable plants often found in urban landscapes. Like any new planting, they require attention and care during installation to ensure successful establishment. This guide contains helpful tips to make sure your newly laid sod remains healthy and ready to enjoy!
WHEN TO WATER
W Fre roo tra site rep
Freshly cut sod contains enough moisture in the leaves, roots, and soil to keep the grass healthy and alive for transport and planting. However, once the sod is laid at the site it will continue to transpire water that will need to be replaced by either rainfall or supplemental irrigation.
WATERING TIP #1
Itt i is essential to begin watering new turfgrass sod immediately upon establishment. This can be done by hand-watering with a water hose and nozzle, hose-end sprinkler, in-ground irrigation system, or any combination thereof. When watering new sod, make sure that the sod and t a d
han sp
and he soil layer immediately beneath the sod is moist to a depth of ½ – 1 inch.
WATERING TIP #2 L
r
Liifting the corners of random pieces of sod and checking fo for moisture is a good way to ensure that the sod is wet. A sc
A s rewdriver, pocket-knife, or other sharp implement is a u
a useful tool to inspect the soil beneath the sod. If the im implement easily goes into the soil, then it is likely su
sufficiently wet.
WATERING TIP #3 Ma
a
Make certain the entire lawn is receiving water. Corners, edge
edg s, and areas exposed to full sun are particularly prone to dr ad
d ying out. Also pay particular attention to sod laid adjjacent to hardscapes as these areas can dry out sooner than others. Turfgrass leaves that are wilted and/or bluish-gray in color often appear in these areas first and are are a sign of drought stress.
WATERING TIP #4
During the first few days of establishment, it is important to water newly laid sod frequently enough that the sod and top ½ – 1 inch of soil immediately beneath the sod remain we
p
wet. This may require frequent, light applications of water ap
applied multiple times per day. This is particularly true on hot, arid, and/or windy days during the grow-in period.
WATERING TIP #5 Pr
Prevent over-watering by paying attention to runoff on sloped areas or standing water on flat areas. This is important for water conservation but also for plant health. Turfgrass roots need oxygen for respiration, and over-irrigation can slow or prevent new roots from emerging and establishing in the soil.
TPI Turf News May/June 2018
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