How should I water my new sod?
First of all, any competent Lawn Service company in NJ should be able to tell you that it is essential to begin watering new sod within a half hour after it is installed. In addition, new sod must remain wet for the first 14 days. Following these tips will keep your new sod looking fresh and beautiful.
Watering Tip #1 – Pull a corner of the sod and push a screwdriver or other sharp tool into the soil. It should push in easily and have moisture along the first six inches or you will need to apply more water.
Watering Tip #2 – Be sure that your entire lawn is receiving water. Any Lawn Service company in NJ caCorners and edges are particularly susceptible to drying out and are easily missed by many sprinklers. As a result, these areas may dry out faster than center portions of the lawn. Areas near the foundation of the house or shed may also be more likely to dry out and may require more water.
Watering Tip #3 – Be aware of runoff on sloped areas that may occur before the soil is adequately moist. To conserve water and ensure even irrigation, turn off the water source if runoff is noticed. Wait about 30 minutes to an hour before resuming watering. Until new sod is rooted, which may take up to two weeks, keep the soil below the turf moist with daily (or more frequent) watering. Particularly dry or hot days may require additional watering.
Watering Tip #4 – As the roots of the new sod begin to penetrate the soil, it will be more difficult to physically pull back a piece to check for moisture (as detailed in Watering Tip #1). However, a sharp tool, such as a screwdriver, can still be used to check moisture depth by pushing it through the sod and into the soil.
Watering Tip #5 – It is best to water as early in the morning as possible. This helps to take advantage of the grass’s normal growth cycle. The lower wind speeds and lack of sun at that time of the day reduce water lost to evaporation. It is best to avoid watering in the evening, as this can promote disease and fungus.
Watering Tip #6 – Most people are unaware that infrequent and deep watering is preferable to frequent and shallow watering. Roots will only travel as deep as their most frequent available water supply. Deeper roots will help the sod survive drought conditions and hot weather that dries out the upper soil level. The larger “soil-water bank” the roots have to access, the more likely it will be for the lawn to survive harsh weather.
Remember, water is essential to all life. Too little water, we will die, too much water and we will drown. The same applies to our lawns. If you have any questions about how, when, or how much to water your new sod, please call Custom Landscaping and Lawn Care at 732-238-8330 and we will be happy to help you. |