| | | HOW TO WATER | Watering New Marathon Sod
Water Sod lightly after each 200 square feet are installed, to prevent wilting. After all the sod is down and rolled, turn on your sprinklers and let them run until the sod is good and soaked. To keep it that way, for the first week water until runoff begins once every few hours at 7 am, 11 am and 2 pm. During the second week water twice a day at 7 am and 2 pm. During the third week water all Marathon Sod once a day at 7 am. Eventually taper back to once every two or three days. Adjust according to weather and season - water more frequently during warm/dry or windy weather. Do not water new sod between 4 pm and 4 am.
Important: Please refer to the supplemental watering bulletin for watering tips during the hot/humid summer months (July-September).
SUPPLEMENTAL WATERING BULLETIN
Over watering during the warm humid summer months (August and September ) will cause problems!
General Rules for establishing new turf:
I. Water sod Immediately after Installation until good and soaked.
II. Water as Infrequently as possible after initial soaking.
1. Water once a day in the morning at 7:00 AM. Delay or eliminate additional daily waterings until wilt is observed. Then irrigate again immediately
The rule of thumb is:
Week 1, 7:00AM, 11:00AM, 2:00PM
If the soil remains moist and absolutely no turf wilt is observed eliminate the 11:00 watering.
Week 2, 7:00AM, 2:00PM
If the soil remains moist and absolutely no turf wilt is observed eliminate the 2:00PM watering
Weeks 3 and 4, 7:00AM
If the soil remains moist and absolutely no turf wilt is observed water every other day
2. Once established, water every second or third day.
III Water shady areas less frequently than areas in the full sun.
END OF SUPPLEMENTAL WATERING BULLETIN
Watering New Marathon Lite Sod
Marathon Lite is grown in an organic mat which has been designed for its moisture holding capacity. The Marathon Lite mat holds more water than soil and therefore needs less frequent irrigation during the early establishment period. Once the turf begins to root into the soil, irrigating Marathon Lite is the same as the field-grown Marathons. As a general rule, you can water the Marathon Lite once per day for the first three weeks. If dry spots appear in the lawn during the afternoon, the irrigation time should be increased. If dry spots persist, an irrigation uniformity problem is likely, and an additional sprinkler head may be required. After the first three weeks, you should begin to taper back to once every two or three days, depending on how quickly the sod is rooting. Generally speaking, as the root system grows deeper, irrigation frequency should be reduced.
Watering Established Marathon Sod.
After your lawn has become established (approximately 6 to 8 weeks), water according to the following guidelines:
As infrequently as possible (once or twice a week in the cooler months, three or more times per week in the warmer months).
For as long as possible to get deep soil penetration (up to 30 minutes). It may be necessary to cycle irrigate if runoff occurs after just a short time water until runoff occurs, then stop and wait for the water to penetrate (usually 1 to 2 hours), then repeat.
As early as possible - first thing in the morning. Do not water between 4 pm and 4 am.
Do not water areas in the shade as frequently as the areas of your lawn that receive full sun.
In addition, be sure to watch for a blue-grey tint and limp areas of your lawn. This is not a fungus. It is caused by dehydration and is an indication that immediate watering is needed. This will usually occur on tops of mounds, or areas where sprinkler coverage is not adequate. (It is acceptable to water in full sun, it will not burn the blades.)
For a watering guide in your area, please refer to the irrigation schedule calculator.
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