Introduction to Caring for Newly Installed Grass
The Houston Grass Tipsheet offers comprehensive care instructions for newly installed grass, focusing on St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia varieties. It provides essential guidelines for watering, fertilizing, mowing, pest management, and fungicide application to ensure optimal grass establishment and health.
Please click the button below to download a pdf copy of our tips for caring for newly installed grass.
Watering Guidelines for Newly Installed Grass
Proper watering is crucial for the establishment of newly installed grass. The tipsheet emphasizes the importance of measuring water output accurately and adjusting based on grass needs.
Key Notes on Watering:
- Initial Watering: Aim to water until the grass feels “squishy.” This indicates adequate moisture.
- Water Measurement: Use rain gauges to check the amount of water being applied. A typical portable sprinkler outputs about 0.2 inches per hour, meaning it takes about 5 hours to deliver 1 inch of water.
Monthly Watering Recommendations:
- January – March:
- Installation Day: Apply 1 inch of water (5 hours).
- Ongoing: Water every 7-10 days. Once grass is established (corners cannot be lifted), reduce to every 2-3 weeks. If the soil sticks to your finger, watering isn’t necessary.
- April:
- Installation Day: Increase to 1.5-2.0 inches (8-10 hours).
- Ongoing: Water every other day with 0.5 inches for 2 weeks. After establishment, reduce to 1 inch weekly, ideally in two applications of 0.5 inches each.
- May – September:
- Installation Day: Continue with 1.5-2.0 inches.
- Ongoing: Water daily with 0.5 inches for 2 weeks if temperatures are high; reduce to 1 inch weekly afterward, split into two or three waterings.
- October:
- Installation Day: Water with 1.5-2.0 inches.
- Ongoing: Once temperatures drop below 80°F, reduce watering to 1 inch every 7-10 days, and then every 2-3 days if corners can be lifted.
- November – December:
- Installation Day: Apply 1 inch.
- Ongoing: Water every 10-14 days; reduce to every 2-3 weeks once established.
Mowing Guidelines for Newly Installed Grass
Mowing is vital for maintaining grass health but should be approached cautiously in the early stages after installation.
Key Notes on Mowing:
- Avoid mowing for at least 2-3 weeks after installation to prevent damage to the roots.
Monthly Mowing Recommendations:
- January – February:
- Dormant grass; do not mow.
- March – April:
- If planted in March, wait 2-3 weeks before mowing. Once rooted, mow at a height of at least 3.5 inches.
- May – December:
- Follow the same approach as March and April; wait for establishment before mowing.
Fertilizing Guidelines
Fertilization supports grass growth but needs to be done thoughtfully with the appropriate products.
General Fertilization Notes:
- Avoid weed-and-feed fertilizers during the establishment phase.
Monthly Fertilizing Recommendations:
- January – February: No fertilization needed.
- March – April:
- Apply Nitro-Phos Imperial Fertilizer at half the recommended rate after waiting 4-6 weeks post-installation.
- May – September:
- Use Nitro-Phos Superturf Fertilizer at half the recommended rate after the same waiting period.
- October – December:
- Apply Nitro-Phos Fall Special Fertilizer at half the recommended rate after waiting 4-6 weeks.
Pest Management
Monitoring for pests is essential to maintain healthy grass. Identifying pests early can prevent significant damage.
Pesticide Guidelines:
- Always read and follow pesticide labels for proper application and safety.
Monthly Pest Management Recommendations:
- January – May: No pesticide applications recommended.
- June – September:
- Monitor for chinch bugs and sod webworms. Look for hot spots or circular patches in the yard. Use liquid pesticides like Cyonara if pests are found; multiple applications may be necessary.
- October – December: No pesticide applications needed.
Herbicides and Fungicides
Proper use of herbicides and fungicides can prevent and manage diseases and weeds effectively.
Herbicide Note:
- Do not apply herbicides on grass that is less than one year old to avoid damaging the young plants.
Fungicide Recommendations:
Herbicides should not be used on newly installed grass. Fungicides like Heritage G are recommended based on specific conditions:
Monthly Fungicide Management Recommendations:
- January – February: No fungicide applications needed.
- March – April:
- Watch for brown patch; apply Heritage G when the first signs appear (gold ring around patches). Reapply every 21 days as needed.
- May – August:
- Monitor for gray leaf spot; apply Heritage G when signs appear and reapply every 21 days.
- September – October:
- Begin monitoring for brown patch again in low areas; apply Heritage G as needed.
- November – December: No fungicide applications needed.
Conclusion
These guidelines serve as a foundation for caring for newly installed grass. Houston Grass emphasizes that success depends on following these recommendations diligently. For any questions or clarifications, you can contact Houston Grass directly at the provided phone number.