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Now that your lawn has been planted, watering becomes the most important
part of the job. Watering is so important that it can make the difference
between luxuriant success and total failure. Failures further delay the look
of a beautiful lawn and translate into even more watering. So the "key" is
doing it right the first time.
The most important thing
to remember about grass seed is that it must be close to the surface of the soil to
germinate (sprout) properly. Therefore, successful germination depends on ample moisture
at the soil surface. Soil can dry out very quickly on sunny or windy days.
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So during the first few
weeks of watering, you need to concentrate on keeping the lawn surface moist. This is best
accomplished by frequent light waterings, especially on hot, sunny days. Areas of the lawn
in full sun need watered more often than partially shaded areas. Lawn edges and curb areas
are very easy to miss. Slopes always dry out faster than level areas.
The best rule of thumb is: "If in doubt - WATER!"
The most frequently
asked question is:
When is the best time of day to water?
Morning is the best,
even if it is just before sunrise. Afternoon waterings are also fine (required some days),
even though more water is lost to evaporation. Late evening is the time to avoid watering
a lawn if possible. Why? Turfgrass watered in the evening tends to stay wet all night,
providing an ideal environment for fungus disease. Young seedlings are especially
vulnerable to certain fungi which can wipe out large areas of grass overnight! (Particular
caution with evening watering must be exercised during hot and humid weather, i.e. summer
nights when it is "muggy")
Too little, too late?
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- First: Keep the lawn
surface moist for the first 3 weeks (light daily watering).
- Then: For the next 3
weeks, water more thoroughly but less often (2 to 3 times per week).
- Timing: Try to avoid
watering in the evening, unless your work schedule makes it absolutely necessary.
- Mowing: Begin mowing the
lawn as soon as it needs mowing. Bagging the clippings is usually best for a new lawn.
Clean the underside of the mower often to prevent clogging (young grass is very succulent
and will clog-up)
- Straw (if applicable):
It's alright to leave straw on the lawn surface, provided it isn't thick enough to smother
young seedlings.
- Leaves: In fall, keep the
lawn clear of leaves. Leaves can block sunlight and water, and suffocate young seedlings
by "matting down".
- Bare spots: 3 to 6 weeks
after the initial seeding, spot-seed bare and thin areas. It is important to continue
proper watering.
New sod lawns require regular
watering to aid establishment
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