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Proper irrigation of new lawns is critical for successful establishment.
Uniform coverage is essential. Avoid watering in the evening to help prevent
disease.
On
this page:
Lawns
grown from sod or plugs
- Water daily for the first few weeks, keeping the turf moist until
the roots are well established. If temperatures are hot, watering 2
or 3 times a day may be required.
- Do not saturate the soil below the turf; too much water will prevent
the roots from penetrating deep into the soil.
- A bluish-gray color is an indication that the grass is not getting
enough water.
- Every second or third day, a little deeper irrigation is needed to
ensure that the soil beneath the turf is moist to a 6-inch depth.
- Use a screwdriver to probe the soil for an indication of moisture
depth.
- Once established, watering 2 times a week is usually sufficient.
Lawns
grown from seed
- A few days before planting, water the seedbed thoroughly to a depth
of 6 to 8 inches. Allow soil surface to dry before seeding.
- After planting, until the seeds germinate, water frequently and lightly,
keeping the top 1 - 2 inches of soil moist, but not soaked.
- Too much water will cause the seeds to rot. If the soil dries out
during germination, seedlings are likely to die.
- Several light waterings a day may be required for up to 30 days to
keep the seedbed moist. During hot periods, even more waterings may
be needed.
- As the seedlings become established, watering every other day may
be sufficient.
- Use a screwdriver to probe the soil for an indication of moisture
depth.
- Once the root system has developed, deep watering once or twice a
week is all that will be needed.
Lawns
grown from sprigs or stolons
- A few days before planting, water the seedbed thoroughly to
a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Allow soil surface to dry before planting.
- Water lightly and frequently, keeping sprigs and stolons moist
without saturating the soil, until the root system develops.
- If water erodes the soil between sprigs or stolons, add soil
and level it as needed.
- Use a screwdriver to probe the soil for an indication of moisture
depth.
- Two daily waterings may be sufficient when the roots are developed.
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Roll your mouse
over the illustration to see how to water established lawns.
Plan
your irrigation system
Irrigating
established lawns
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