Types of grass - watering frequency for a healthy new lawn

In Ontario, Canada, several types of grass seeds are commonly used for lawns, each with its characteristics and suitability to the local climate. The most common types of grass seeds used in Ontario include:

Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis): Kentucky Bluegrass is popular for its lush, dark green color, fine texture, and ability to recover from damage. It thrives in cool climates and is well-suited to Ontario's climate.

Fine Fescue (Festuca spp): Fine Fescue is known for its shade tolerance and adaptability to various soil types. It's often used in mixtures with other grass species for its ability to provide a dense, low-maintenance lawn.

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne): Perennial Ryegrass is valued for its rapid germination and establishment, making it suitable for overseeding and repairing damaged areas in lawns. It has good wear tolerance and can handle foot traffic well.

Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea): Tall Fescue is known for its deep roots, drought tolerance, and durability. It can withstand a variety of growing conditions and is often included in seed mixes for its resilience.

It's essential to consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil type, water availability, and lawn usage when choosing the best grass seed for your specific location in Ontario.

What should you do once GreenForce has installed your beautiful new sod?

Once newly installed sod is placed, proper watering is crucial to ensure its establishment and healthy growth. Here are some guidelines to follow and factors to consider when watering newly laid sod in the GTA area.

1. Timing: Water newly installed sod immediately after laying it. This initial watering is essential to help the sod settle and make good contact with the soil beneath. Watering should begin within 30 minutes of installation.
   

2. Frequency: During the first week after installation, keep the sod consistently moist. Water it lightly multiple times (i.e. 3-4) a day, 20-25 minutes at a time, especially, if the weather is hot and dry. As the sod establishes roots, gradually reduce the frequency of watering but maintain consistent moisture until it becomes well-rooted.
   

3. Morning Watering: Watering in the morning is generally recommended because it allows the grass to absorb moisture before the heat of the day evaporates it. Morning watering also reduces the risk of fungal diseases that can occur when grass remains wet overnight.
   

4. Avoid Overwatering: While it's important to keep the sod moist, avoid overwatering, which can lead to shallow root growth, disease, and runoff. Saturated soil can suffocate the roots and promote fungal growth.
   

5. Watering Depth: Ensure that the water penetrates the soil to a depth of at least 4 to 6 inches. This encourages deep root growth and helps the grass become more drought-resistant in the long term.
   

6. Check Soil Moisture: Periodically check the soil moisture beneath the sod to ensure it remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use a soil probe or screwdriver to gauge moisture depth.
   

7. Adjust Based on Weather: Adjust your watering schedule based on weather conditions. During periods of rain, reduce watering frequency accordingly. In hot and dry weather, increase watering frequency to prevent the sod from drying out.
   

8. Avoid Watering in the Evening: Watering in the evening can leave the grass blades wet overnight, increasing the risk of fungal diseases. If evening watering is necessary, do so early enough to allow the grass blades to dry before nightfall.
   

9. Consider Soil Type and Slope: Soil type and slope can affect water retention and runoff. We recommend to all of our customers to add a layer of rich, triple-mix soil before laying the sod, because, most builders do not use triple mix but rather just plain top soil which can be hard as clay and thus prevent healthy sod rooting. In addition, adjusting watering frequency and duration accordingly to ensure even moisture distribution and prevent runoff on sloped areas.
   

By following these guidelines and paying attention to the specific needs of the newly installed sod, you can help promote healthy root growth and establish a lush, thriving lawn in Ontario's climate. Your lawn will be the envy of your neighborhood.