Water-Wise Gardening and Landscape Maintenance The amount of water required to soil preparation just because it establish a home lawn depends will be covered up with sod. Watering on soil moisture content, soil and air temperature, wind, and germi- Watering newly New nation requirements of different grass species. planted grass Grass that is planted at the correct Lawns Type of grass time will use water most effi- Bermudagrass is commonly ciently during establishment. Best Management Practices grown from sprigs. Zoysia and September is best for cool-season buffalograss are often grown from grasses such as tall fescue and plugs. All three warm-season Kentucky bluegrass. June is species can be established from preferred for warm-season grasses seed if proper varieties are such as bermudagrass, zoysia- chosen. Kentucky bluegrass and grass, and buffalograss. Seeding turf-type tall fescue, usually grown rate is important. If grass seed is from seed, also can be sodded. sown too thickly, individual plants The same watering practices compete for moisture; if sown too apply, regardless of establishment thinly, establishment rate may be method. slowed. If soil is dry, soak the lawn thor- Soil conditions oughly about a week before Heavy clay soils are slow to absorb seeding to establish a reservoir of water but can be loosened and moisture in the top several inches made more receptive by incorpo- of the soil profile. Clay soils may rating organic matter, such as peat need to be irrigated at intervals to moss or compost. Consider allow water to soak in without adding 2 to 3 inches of organic running off. Allow the surface to matter, and tilling as deeply as dry before preparing the final possible. This helps improve water seedbed. infiltration and soil aeration. Organic matter also improves After seeding, keep grass seed sandy soil by improving water- moist until it germinates and and nutrient-holding properties. becomes established. Initially, Adjusting the pH (acidity/alka- keep the seedbed surface moist linity) and fertility based on soil with frequent, light irrigation, test results promotes more effi- unless rainfall occurs. Light cient water use. watering once or twice a day or more may be required to keep the Off-site topsoil is often spread seedbed moist. Grass seed that over disturbed sites before begins to germinate, then dries planting turfgrass. Topsoil should out, may die. A light mulch of be blended into the surface of the clean straw can slow drying original grade to create a gradient between watering cycles. You from one soil type to the other. should be able to see soil through Grass roots don’t readily cross a the straw layer. On slopes, distinct separation layer. Note: pressing straw in with a light disk Kansas State University Lawn soil should be prepared just with the blade set vertically will Agricultural Experiment Station as thoroughly for planting sod as help reduce washing. Problems and Cooperative Extension Service for planting seed. Don’t skimp on may arise if the straw contains weed seeds or is applied too every third day, applying ½ inch of Newly laid sod thickly and blocks sunlight. water per irrigation cycle. Water newly installed sod as you Thereafter, 1 inch of water every It is acceptable to water newly would a newly seeded lawn — 5 to 7 days should support the frequently enough to keep the seeded bluegrass or tall fescue in stand of new seedling grass. the late evening during the fall. area between the sod and soil This makes water go further by moist until new roots knit into the keeping the seedbed moist Plant maturity soil. As roots grow deeper, extend Both sodded and seeded cool- throughout the night and into the the watering interval. season grasses, such as tall fescue next morning. In the cooler or Kentucky bluegrass, will need weather of early to mid-fall, night- Plugs or sprigs to be watered regularly the first time watering is less likely to Water plugs and sprigs much like summer after planting. Warm- contribute to disease. seeded lawns. Keep soil moist season grasses — bermudagrass, until rooting has occurred, and As the grass grows zoysiagrass, and buffalograss — then wait longer between also require regular watering waterings. After seedling grass begins to during establishment, and grow, extend the interval between perhaps during the first summer, irrigation cycles, but apply more whether planted by seed, sod, water each time. plugs, or sprigs. When germination is complete and seedling grass is 1-inch tall, Winter watering stretch the watering interval to Fall is the best time to plant a new lawn. When seeding make sure every other day, applying 1/4 inch of water each time. Measure water that grass is watered thoroughly depth in straight-sided cans. before the ground freezes and during mid-winter thaws. This is During the second week after especially important during a dry complete germination, water winter.

Authors: Emily Nolting, commercial landscape/ornamental horticulture specialist Ward Upham, extension horticulture rapid response coordinator Phil Sell, Shawnee County horticulture agent

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Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

MF-2802 January 2008 K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, as amended. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and United States Department of Agriculture Cooperating, Fred A. Cholick, Director.