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Are You Overwatering Your New Turf Lawn?

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Having a new lawn installed gives your home instant kerb appeal, but you'll need to care for the lawn properly if it is to stay healthy and thrive. Overwatering is a common mistake made by many owners of newly installed lawns.

So how do you know if you're overdoing the hydration of your new lawn installation?

Dangers of Overwatering Newly Installed Turf

Although new turf does need plenty of water, especially during hot, dry spells, it can be easy to overdo things. Overwatering can lead to problems including:

  • damaged root system
  • fungus and disease damage
  • insect pest infestation

So how do you know if you've got your watering right?

Correct Watering

New turf needs watering every day, sometimes twice a day if the weather is warm and sunny. Water the turf early in the morning and late in the evening so that the sun doesn't evaporate moisture from the grass.

After you have watered your turf, feel it with your finger. The grass should feel damp and springy. If it feels like a sponge full of water, you've overdone it. Check under the turf; it should feel damp but not muddy.

During the first week of watering, the soil underneath the turf should feel moist to a depth of a few centimetres. Once the turf has become established, you should water so that the moisture reaches a depth of around 15 centimetres. To check this depth, slide a long screwdriver into the soil; it should come out damp for about 15 centimetres along its length.

In addition to soggy grass, there are other signs that are indicative of an overwatered lawn.

Failure of Grass Roots to Grow into the Soil

Under normal circumstances, healthy grass plants should begin to grow down into the soil within a few weeks. Lift up a corner of the turf to see if it is easy or difficult to move. The turf should offer resistance; if not, you could be overwatering.

Root Rot

Too much water can cause root rot. After the first week, lift the turf and look to see that the roots are healthy and growing down. Signs of rotting could mean that you are watering too often or too much.

In conclusion

You can make sure that your newly installed lawn thrives by not overwatering it. For more advice and information on caring for your new lawn have a chat with your supplier.


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