One of the most important steps after installing your new sod is watering. This process is not always as simple as one may think. These new sod watering tips will ensure proper root development and a healthy new lawn…
Use a sprinkler
Setting a sprinkler ensures that watering is done evenly in the entire lawn. The sprinklers are relatively low costly coupled with the fact that it enhances effective watering of the new sod. One of the sprinklers that is recommended in this case is an impact style sprinkler. This is premised on the fact that it covers a vast area compared to other styles.
Overlap
In other instances where the area that is sodded is larger than what the sprinkler can cover, then it is important to move the sprinkler to other areas. Implicit to this, is the need to have an overlap between these areas.
Do not hand water
Do not use your hand in watering new sod but instead use a sprinkler. This is because you cannot effectively water the whole area you have sodded while standing. Alternatively soaking an entire area will make water percolate the new sod compared what it can use. Of central importance is that the sod can only take ¾’’ of the root system and the soil.
Water deeply
To promote the deep growth of the roots it is advisable to water the sod deeply. This implies that watering which takes place for about 10-30 minutes is not enough. This promotes the shallow growth of the roots. Deep root will be pivotal during drought as it allows the grass plant access to more water stored in the ground.
Water in the morning
Watering in the morning is beneficial in avoiding issues with fungus which bred favorable in the humid conditions especially in the evening during summer. This practice is good in having the blades of the grass dry in the evening. Early morning lawn watering is always best.
Applying an inch of water
It is advisable to apply at least an inch of water to ensure that you are watering deeply. This means that you will be watering daily for the very first two weeks. One of the best ways of maintaining an inch of the water is placing a container that is empty, for example a coffee can, in the area that is being watered and see how long it takes to put an inch of water in the container. That’s how long you should set your sprinklers for.