Latest Discussions : Lawn & Garden

05:42AM | 06/11/02

Member Since: 08/27/01
52 lifetime posts

Proper way to water newly seeded lawn.

Tags: Lawn & Garden

Hello,

I just had my new lawn hydroseeded. I'm wondering what is the best way to water it. I live in the Northeast. I have 5 sprinklers (the kind that go in a circle or you can adjust to a partial circle). I run them for about 45 minutes in the morning. The ground gets damp, but there is no standing water.

My 3 neighbors also had theirs hydroseeded at the same time. The use oscillating sprinklers (like kids run through). They water and water and water until there is standing water all over the place. Then they leave huge foot prints in the mud because they have to move their sprinklers so much. They water in the morning and late at night.

What is the best way to water our new lawns? I'm not trying to say I'm right - I just want to know if I need to water more. I'm fairly confident that they are watering too much. Thanks in advance.

BobF

01:56AM | 06/12/02

Member Since: 10/19/98
223 lifetime posts

You are correct. For new seed you just want to keep it moist - not soaked. Your neighbors are indeed wasting water.

Indiana

03:43AM | 06/13/02

Member Since: 08/27/01
52 lifetime posts

Thanks for the reassurance. Once the grass starts growing, should I stay with my 30 minute watering in each area every day (unless it rains)? Or should I water longer - say an hour - in each area, but only every other day? I've heard that will help the grass develope deep roots. Is this true? Thanks for the help.

BobF

02:09AM | 06/14/02

Member Since: 10/19/98
223 lifetime posts

Once its been mowed a few times, then water only twice a week - 1/2 inch each time is enough. Any more and you are wasting water. If you do it every day, you encourage the roots to stay shallow. Half inch twice a week will encourage the roots to go deep.

Indiana

03:47AM | 06/14/02

Member Since: 08/27/01
52 lifetime posts

Thanks for the advice!