In this article we’ll discuss the best times and how much to water new sod and how long to wait between watering cycles. During the first few days, you can hold back on watering new sod to encourage the roots to hold onto the soil. As the season progresses, you can begin to fertilize the new lawn.
Time of day to water new sod
The best time of day to water new sod is the morning. The soil beneath the sod should be moist at all times, so it’s best to irrigate your lawn several times a day, preferably at least three times. The goal is to keep the soil underneath moist and avoid fungus growth.
Ideally, water new sod for at least the first 45 to 60 minutes after planting. This will help the roots to attach to the ground. The longer you wait to water, the longer you will need to wait to irrigate the new sod. If you’re watering with a rotor irrigation head, it’s best to water for at least 15 minutes three times a day.
Over-watering can lead to dead spots and gaps in the sod. If your lawn is in the shade, it will need less water than areas where the sun shines.
Duration of watering cycle
A new sod lawn requires a longer watering cycle than a previously established lawn. This is because it has young feeder roots that chase moisture deeper into the soil. Watering a lawn for a longer period will encourage the roots to stay rooted to the ground. It is best to water your new sod for at least two hours a day to ensure a deep root system.
The best way to determine if your lawn needs more water is to inspect it. Check for raised edges and brown spots. This is an indicator that the soil underneath the sod has absorbed too much water. Then, hand water the area. For raised edges, you can press the sod down a bit to even them out.
In hot and windy days, you may need to water your lawn three to four times a day. This heavy watering cycle should be stopped during the third or fourth week. After that, you should water your lawn in normal intervals. You can replace heavy watering with an every other day schedule after the third or fourth week.
Releasing less water per cycle encourages roots to hold on to soil
Releasing less water per cycle to water newly-planted lawns is one way to ensure your new lawn will hold on to soil longer. Plants depend on the soil for nutrients, anchorage for root systems, and oxygen. The soil also contains spaces that allow plants to release energy and break down sugars.
Fertilizing new sod
Fertilizing in addition to water new sod is also an important part of creating a beautiful lawn. It’s important to apply the proper amount and the correct time of fertilizer. For best results, apply the fertilizer in the spring. This is when new sod grows best, and the soil is cool and rainy. However, it’s possible to over-fertilize new sod, so be careful not to use too much fertilizer too soon. Warning signs of over-fertilized sod include scorched and yellow grass blades, limp black roots, and slow growth.
Before fertilizing new sod, check the soil’s pH level and use the appropriate fertilizer. Different grasses need different kinds of fertilizers. Make sure that you don’t use too much fertilizer, as it can burn the roots of the new sod and prevent it from growing properly. It’s also important to water your new sod after fertilizing it, as fertilizer needs water to work effectively.
When fertilizing new sod, make sure to use a slow-release granular fertilizer with adequate phosphorus levels. A slow-release granular fertilizer will promote a strong root system. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for using this fertilizer.
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