Turfgrass Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much should I water for the first 20 days after installing new sod?

A: Keep the topsoil consistently moist but not soggy. You can check soil moisture by digging down with your finger between the seams of sod. Test this in several spots. Shorter, more frequent watering is preferred to one long watering period. For instance, set your irrigation timer to water at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. to maintain soil moisture throughout the day. This will decrease wasteful run-off and increase resistance of the plant to wilting in the afternoon heat. During cool weather, one application per day may be sufficient.

Q: How much should I irrigate after the first 20 days?

A: For a helpful tool regarding summer watering times, see the Water Scheduling Guide in the Help section at www.aquaconserve.com. As your sod becomes established, decrease the watering frequency since less frequent, deeper watering produces a healthier lawn. The exception would be sloped areas which may required shorter, more frequent watering to avoid wasteful run-off. Watering times and frequency should be gradually decreased during the fall and winter. A critical factor is to maintain a uniform irrigation system – see instructions below on how to perform an irrigation audit of your system. The best time for watering an established lawn is from 4 a.m. to noon. Why? Less wind and evaporation plus less risk of disease on the leaf blade.

Q: What is the best fertilization for my lawn?

The fertilization needs of your lawn depend on the type of grass and the season.

For Elite Plus Fescue Seasonal Care click here
For Hybrid Bermuda Seasonal Care click here

Q: What are some mowing tips?

A: Mow seven to ten days after installation. To avoid stressing the plant, do not mow off more than one-third of the grass leaf at any one cutting. When mowing only one-third with each cutting, you can safely leave the clippings on the lawn that will decompose and add nutrients back into the soil. Elite Plus clippings will not add to thatch build-up since clippings are 90% water content. For mowing Elite Plus fescue in the summer months, raise the mowing height to 3 inches. Longer grass is more stress tolerant in the intense summer heat. Longer grass also has a larger root structure, which increases the uptake of water and nutrients. For best results with Tifgreen and Tifway Hybrid Bermuda, mow with a reel mower at 3/8 to 3/4 inch. For A-G 1 Hybrid Bermuda, you can use either a reel or rotary mower at 1" to 1 1/2 inches.

Q: How do I know if my lawn has a disease?

A: Brown spots on your lawn do not always mean the plant needs more water. In fact, if your lawn has a disease, increased watering will make the problem worse. Closely examine brown spots several hours after the morning irrigation cycle. If the leaves are shriveled and already dry, it is probably an irrigation problem. If the leaves have spots on them or a moist slimy texture, the problem is probably a disease. Place a sample of the leaf material in a plastic bag and immediately consult your local garden center. If a disease is suspected, apply a broad spectrum fungicide or one recommended by your local garden center. Disease is generally not a problem with Hybrid Bermuda varieties.

Q: How do I know if my lawn has insects?

A: Insects often eat the turf roots, making it easy to pull back the top layer of sod. If you see that the root structure has been destroyed or other visual evidence of insects, immediately consult your local garden center.

Q: How do I perform an audit of my irrigation system?

A: Place empty tuna cans or similar containers 2 feet away from each spray head. Run the system for 15 minutes and measure the water in the cans. Compare the amounts collected. Are some more full than others? You may find a brown spot is near a sprinkler head that puts out less water or has a poor distribution pattern. Make repairs and replace heads as needed.