How to Care for a New Lawn | Salt Lake City

New Lawn

Lightly sprinkle water on the bare soil as you install your new lawn. This will cool the soil providing a better environment for new, tender roots.
Using a hose, water each piece of sod within 15 minutes of being laid on the soil.
Give your new lawn one inch of water within 1/2 hour of completed installations. When finished, the lawn should be “squishy wet.” This is the only time you will water the sod making it “squishy wet.”
Water your new lawn enough to keep it consistently moist throughout the hottest part of the day for the first few weeks. Short, frequent waterings are best. Shorter for spray heads, longer for impact or rotors.
Keep your new lawn moist but do not soak. Water as needed to maintain adequate moisture. New BioGrass lawn establishment usually takes between 2 and 5 weeks, depending on weather, yard conditions, etc.
Change your sprinkler timer according to the demands of your lawn, and the environment. Common factors are: wind, rain, sunlight, shade and reflected light. If you see gaps appearing in the seams of your sod that is an indicator that the sod is drying out too much between waterings.
(Please note; sod near concrete or park strips may require more water and sod in shady areas may require less)

*See New Sod Care for more information.

Lawns with deep root systems are more healthy and use less water. Avoid light frequent watering on established lawns. Applying water in less frequent waterings allows water to soak deeply into soils. This will allow roots to use water in the ground rather than only surface water, making your lawn more drought tolerant.
The “cycle and soak” method allows water to soak deep into your soil. This works by dividing the current run time into three separate cycles (i.e. if you are currently watering 21 minute cycles, water only 7 minutes per cycle. Once you have completed the first seven-minute cycle, run a second and third cycle.) This will allow an air pocket to form between the three layers of water, pushing the water deeper into the soil.
Water usage averages are affected by many variables. Water usage may need to be increased due to poor soil, wind, excessively high temperatures, sod near reflective surfaces (fences, brick walls), or in areas where run-off may occur (on slopes or hills). Water usage may need to be decreased in shady areas.

Using a straight-edged can mark off 1 inch.
Place several cans in a grid pattern throughout test area. While keeping time, run sprinklers until cans reach 1 inch mark. Test all cycles and areas for thorough coverage.
Using test results refer to this guide to establish your watering schedule.
Water usage averages are affected by many variables. Water usage may need to be increased due to poor soil, wind, excessively high temperatures, sod near reflective surfaces (fences, brick walls), or in areas where run-off may occur (on slopes or hills). Water usage may need to be decreased in shady areas. If dry spots appear, check your sprinkler system’s coverage. Water the dry spots by hand rather than increasing your irrigation timing to compensate for a few dry spots.
Adjust and maintain sprinkler settings on a regular basis.

Keep a regular mowing schedule, once a week on average (see Mowing Guide).
Keep grass at an average of 2-3 inches. Longer grass uses less water.
Never cut more than 1/3 of the leaf blade per mowing. Keep mowing blades sharp as dull blades can damage or even ruin grass.
Fertilize lawn on a regular schedule (See Fertilizing Guide).
Too much water can be just as harmful as too little. Be sure to check sprinklers often to efficiently maintain water use.
For more watering tips visit, www.conservewater.utah.gov.