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Watering Tips

Watering Your New Lawn
We expect 80% - 90% seed germination after a new lawn installation.  We do expect some thin spots.  All new lawns need additional care during the first year of establishment.  We will make one return visit to apply more seed and starter fertilizer 3-4 weeks after the initial seeding is completed.New lawns take some time and patience.  Here are some of the things you can expect.  The seed itself can take anywhere from 7 days to 2 or 3 weeks to germinate, depending on seed type and weather conditions.  Having some weeds germinate along with the grass is to be expected; especially during a spring seeding or if new topsoil is brought in or if the existing soil is disturbed.  Some of these germinated weeds will disappear with the first mowing.  Others will remain along with the new grass.  It is important not to apply any weed control products until the new lawn has been mowed 3 or 4 times and is mature enough to not be damaged by a weed control application. Weed problems are greatly reduced with late summer or early fall lawn installations.A new lawn needs a lot of water.  Watering is the responsibility of the property owner.  The seedbed should be kept moist to ensure good germination. At the outset this probably means watering every day. After the seed has germinated you can back off to watering two or three times a week.  We recommend the use of an oscillating sprinkler, as it is difficult to apply enough water by hand.  You probably need to leave the sprinkler on for a half hour to an hour per location.  The watering should be gentle and stop before puddling occurs.  We suggest a new lawn receive a minimum of 1 inch of water per sprinkler location per week.  During hot and dry periods more may be necessary.  We do not recommend watering after sundown; this can promote fungus growth on new seedlings. 

Watering Your New Plants and Trees
Water is vital while the plant establishes a more extensive root system.  As a general rule of thumb, you should water by hand with an open-ended hose on a medium flow (sprinkler systems are not designed for deep watering of trees and shrubs).  Each plant that is a 2 gallon size container or larger should receive at least 3 gallons of water every few days, for the first 2 weeks.  Periodic deep watering of your plant is necessary. Use up to 5 gallons of water per plant through the growing season.  An important thing to consider is rain and not because you get the day off from watering (chances are there wasn’t enough rain absorbed to even count).  Unless there is an even, steady all day rain your new plantings didn’t get enough water.  The most beneficial time to water is between 5 A.M. – 11 A.M., but if you can’t water then, water between 4 P.M. – 8 P.M.

In spring, water new plants 2-3 times per week (count to at least 20 per plant) depending on the temperature and amount of rainfall.  Letting soil dry between watering is beneficial as it actually increases soil structure, however do not let the soil dry to the point that your plants wilt.

In summer, water frequently – everyday.  For plants 2 gallon & larger size count to at least 20 per plant. For the first couple of weeks in summer, water larger plantings, trees & shrubs by counting to a minimum of 30 to 45 per plant. Then water every 2-3 days (same counts) for the remainder of the summer season.  For large trees (over 20” root ball) you should invest in a soaker hose or lay the open end of the hose at the trunk set on a trickle for up to 2 hours. This should be done several times a week to achieve deep, even watering.

In fall, don’t be fooled by cooler temperatures and dampness in the air. You will still need to pay close attention to watering. Generally you can follow the same watering instructions as in the spring.  Be sure to give your trees and shrubs a good – deep watering once more in November before the ground freezes.

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