Are you worried about the survival of your sods this coming winter? Lawn maintenance varies every season. Watering new sod in winter right is important to keep them alive.
The water requirement will change because of the drop in temperature. The roots may break due to the effects of freezing and thawing. We’ll present you the answers so your sod will survive the winter and you’ll have a beautiful lawn when the spring comes.
Installing Sods In Winter
It might sound counterintuitive, but winter is actually an ideal season for sods installation. The cool weather will stop them from drying so you can work on its installation longer. With proper preparation, the sods can be laid out on frozen ground. They are also easier to install because the soil is stabilized. Just be careful not to let them freeze, though they won’t die from it, frozen sods are hard to unroll.
The success of installation also depends on your place and the type of the sods. If you’re from Southern states, you can install sods even in late winter. Cool season turf grass is ideal for winter because it is freezing-resistant. It is favorable in every part of United States all year round.
So, Is It Okay To Water Sods In Winter?
Yes! Winter watering is necessary to preserve your lawn. But, you only have to do it once after setting up. Just make sure to have a readily available water supply that is not frozen!
Before watering, check first if the sods have enough moisture. To do this, insert a sharp tool beneath the turf. Only water if the wet portion is below 7-10 cm.
Tips For Watering Sods In Winter
- Schedule watering at mid-day so the sods can absorb it well before the water freezes.
- Only water if the air temperature is beyond 40 degrees F and the soil is not frozen. Don’t worry about watering if the temperature is not going up. The cool temperature and frequent precipitation will keep your turf moist.
- Depending on the frequency of snow, you may water once or twice every month during the winter season.
- Ensure that all parts of your lawn are receiving equal amounts of water. Pay attention to the edges and corners because those parts are easily missed. Areas near buildings also tend to dry faster; thus may need more water.
- To check if the irrigating is sufficient, lawn foot-prints should fully disappear in just a few minutes. If the foot prints still appear after thirty minutes, you need to water more.
- You can preset watering using the automated watering unit from Amazon. It is programmable so you can ensure consistent and more efficient irrigating even when you’re not around.
Watering new sod in winter is definitely advisable as long as you do it right. Use an automated watering unit for easy and consistent watering. Remember to check the moisture content before sprinkling. Water at midday when the temperature is above 40 degrees F, and don’t miss any part of your lawn.
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