How to water your new lawn sod or seed

SODDED LAWNS

Sod must be watered frequently from the moment it is rolled out until the roots grow enough to knit into the soil (usually 10 to 20 days).

Do not water more than 15 minutes in one place. New sod is not able to pick up water from below, therefore four well-spaced 15 minute waterings are much better than one 60 minute watering.

When grass is long enough to cut, about 2 1/2 - 3", set the mower as high as possible and be sure the mower blade is sharp. Do not mow the lawn too short.

Watering once Hawks has left the site is the customers responsibility. Because we can not control customer watering procedures, we can not guarantee the sod.

DANGER SIGNS:

1. A DRY BLUE LOOK: Grass blades roll up and look like needles. Water immediately! Dry yellow areas will develop quickly if blue areas are not watered immediately. If dry yellow areas do appear, continue to water and area will usually recover.

2. SHRINKING: If sod gets too dry, even once, it will shrink, creating unsightly seams. The sod will not expand completely to its original size and shape even after watering. If shrinkage does occur, water more frequently so that seam damage will be minimized.

SEEDED LAWNS

A newly seeded lawn must be kept damp, not soaking wet or muddy, for a minimum of three weeks, preferably more. The success of any lawn seeding is determined by the watering care it receives.

MULCH: Do not remove the mulching straw, unless it is so thick it is suffocating the germinating seed.

WEEDS: Weed seeds lie dormant in the soil for years until proper growing conditions are present. Do not be concerned. Most weeds are annuals and can be controlled by mowing. Do not apply weed killer the first year. The second year when the grasses have matured any perennial weeds can be treated successfully.

MOWING: As soon as the grass (or weeds) is 3" to 4" high, reduce watering for l day to allow the soil to firm up for mowing. Set mower as high as possible. Do not pick up or bag the clippings.

FERTILIZING: Lightly fertilize approximately 4 to 6 weeks after seeding with a starter fertilizer. Follow bag instructions. Do not use weed killer or weed and feed for the first year.

PLEASE CALL YOUR HAWKS REPRESENTATIVE IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

414-258-5525

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