Tip #1
The first waterings are the most important. Water 30 MINUTES after starting the installation (whether it is all laid or not) and then again IMMEDIATELY after the installation is complete. The first few waterings will determine how your grass will perform for years to come.
Tip #2
Pull back a corner of the turf and push a screwdriver into the soil. If it doesn’t push easily and have moisture along the first 3 to 4 inches, the soil needs more water. As the turf begins to knit new roots in the soil and it becomes difficult to pull back a corner of the turf, switch to pushing the screwdriver through both the turf and the soil.
Tip #3
Make absolutely certain that you are watering your lawn uniformly and not missing any areas such as corners. These areas, as well as areas bordering the house, are particularly vulnerable to drying out.
Tip #4
Slopes and certain soil types may cause run-off before the lawn can adequately absorb the water. To conserve water and ensure adequate absorption, turn off the water when run-off begins to occur, wait 30 minutes to an hour, and then restart watering. Repeat as needed.
Tip #5
Until the turf is well-rooted (approximately 2 weeks), keep soil adequately moist by watering daily in cool climates and twice daily in warmer climates. Water to a depth of approximately 1/4 inch.
Tip #6
Water as early in the morning as possible to minimize evaporation and to take advantage of the turf’s normal growing cycle.
Tip #7
During the remainder of the growing season, most lawns will do well with no more than 1 inch of water a week. Keep in mind this includes moisture from rain or snow as well as from irrigation.
Tip #8
Watering deeply and infrequently will help your lawn develop an extensive root system. This means your grass will have a larger “soil-water bank” to draw from and it will make it more resistant to disease and hot weather problems.
Tip #9
You should keep an eye on your lawn for indications that it needs watering so that you don’t over- or underwater. Signs of lawn dehydration include footprints remain longer than a few minutes after walking on it and gray-blue tinted grass (instead of a healthy, hydrated blue-green cast). Avoid overwatering. The ground should never feel squishy.
Tip #10
Read and follow the tips in the “Care and Maintenance” section of the “Gardner’s Guide to a Beautiful Lawn” included in your folder or located on the website under the “Lawn Resources” section.
