Watering Instructions:
After seeding it is very important to keep the soil damp during the first 10
days. After this time, you can gradually
cut back on the frequency of your watering's, while increasing the amount of
water as the young grass matures. Note the chart below. After 4 to 5 weeks you should be watering 1”
per week. Always watering around the weather.
From winter to spring water deeply and infrequently encouraging roots to grow
deep. The deeper the roots, the more likely your Fescue will survive the stress
of summer heat and disease. This watering schedule is calibrated for rotor type
sprinklers only (sprinklers that rotate). Spray heads (stationary sprinklers) output much more water in
less time therefore, cut the time in half for spray heads. Example: If it says 35min = 1/3” for rotors, then ~15min would be its approximate equivalent for spray heads. If any question, or need help setting up your sprinklers
please let us know.
Weeks since seeding Frequency of watering Time & water amounts
First 10 days 2 times daily 20 min = 0.16”of water approx.
Next 10 days every day 25 min = 0.20” of water approx.
Next 10 days every other day 35 min = 0.30” of water approx.
After 4 -Weeks twice weekly 45 min = 0.40” of water approx.
(take down stakes, ready to mow)
By Nov 10th. once per week (as needed) 60min = 0.50"
Use rain gauge to confirm exact amount
Mowing Instructions: (Disregard if GreenMaster mows your grass) Do not mow grass for a minimum of 4 to 5 weeks after seeding. After the seedlings are up and growing, you’ll need to mow your lawn as it reaches a height of about 4”to 5” after the fourth week or so. Set your mower on a high setting about 3 ½“ to 4” and mow with a sharp blade. A dull blade will pull up tender seedlings rather than cutting them. Mow when the grass is dry and bag the first time. Never take off more than one-third of the leaf blade when you mow. Never mow fescue shorter than 2”or higher than 5” under normal mowing conditions throughout the year, and try to mow often enough to only cut off 1/3 of the grass canopy at a time.
Leaf Removal: (Disregard if GreenMaster performs your leaf removal) Leaf accumulation is the 2nd leading cause of seeding failure, right behind insufficient watering. As leaves fall, you must not allow them to cover the turf for too long. A heavy accumulation of wet leaves can suffocate tender seedlings and cause them to thin out. Leaves also prevent sunlight from reaching your turf, which will cause damage. Blowing dry leaves into a pile and picking them up is the best method of leaf removal. You can use a rake, but just be careful not to pull up the new and tender grass roots. You can also mow and bag the leaves while keeping the grass at approx. 3”.
What To
Expect: We make frequent visits
to check on your grass and touch up thin areas. We do all we can to get
consistent germination during this limited seasonal window. However, you
must do your part by implementing good management practices to achieve
success. Including (watering, mowing, leaf removal, pest & disease
control.) If germination is still not satisfactory, then soil testing at the
lab may be necessary. Be patient with your newly seeded turf. It takes time for it to reach its full
potential. As the weather warms again
next spring, each grass plant will produce more blades becoming larger and more
numerous as it matures. At this point your Fescue will fill-in and thicken up,
especially after we fertilize in early spring with our signature WEED &
FEED application. As summer approaches, it’s normal for cool-season grasses
like Fescue, to stress. Especially during July & Aug. During this time you
may experience “hot spots” or thinning. This is why over-seeding is necessary.
The ability to administer correct watering, mowing and fertilizing practices
will determine how severe these effects will be. Our lawn care program, along
with these tips, are proven steps to insure a beautiful lawn if we work
together. Now, go enjoy your grass!
Our Lawns are Greener for a Reason!
See what else we do at GreenMasterStillwater.com
Contact us at mail@greenmasterstillwater.com / (405) 707-0151