How To Water New Turfgrass Sod

How To Water New Turfgrass Sod

Turfgrass Sod Long Island


Avoid hand sprinkling because it cannot provide the necessary uniformity, as most people do not have the patience, time or “eye” to adequately measure what is being applied across any larger areas of lawn. The only possible exception to this guideline would be the need to syringe the surface of the grass to cool it, or to provide additional water near buildings or other heat-reflecting surfaces.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of different sprinkler designs the type of sprinkler that you select will determine proper use.

In-Ground Systems require professional design and installation and they require routine adjustments and regular maintenance to be most effective and efficient. The greatest mistake made with most in-ground systems is the “set it and forget it” philosophy that fails to account for the changing seasonal water requirements to maximize turf grown or even allowing the system to operate during or following a multi-inch rain storm. Another frequent problem is when heads get out of alignment and apply water to the sidewalk, street or house siding, rather than to the lawn.



Several times during the growing/watering season, routine maintenance to check for blocked outlets, leaking or missing gaskets, or misaligned sprinkler heads is important, regardless of the sprinkler design.




Step 1


Step 2


Step 3
measure the amount of water in each can, checking for uniformity. Some variation is expected, but if there is a difference of 10-percent or more between any two cans replace or adjust the sprinkler or relocate the system.



For Slopes, see Watering Tip #3

For Areas Under and Near Trees you need to know the water requirements for the specific trees, as well as for the grass. Despite having deep “anchor” roots, trees take up moisture and nutrients from the top six inches of soil…the same area as the grass. Trees and turf will compete for water. Watering sufficiently for the grass may over-water some varieties of trees and under-water others. A common solution is to not plant grass under the drip-line of trees, but rather use that area for perennial ground covers, flowerbeds or mulch beds.

For more about Sod Farms Long Island contact Delea Sod Farms at 631-368-8022

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