Caring for Your Newly Installed Grass
Congratulations on your new grass installation! Proper care is essential for establishing a healthy lawn. This brochure provides comprehensive guidelines for watering, mowing, fertilizing, and pest control based on the time of year you installed your grass. The month refers to the month the grass was installed.
You can download the Tip Sheet for Newly Installed Grass by clicking the button.
Important Notes
- Guidelines Only: These tips are general guidelines for lawn care. Houston Grass is not responsible for the condition of the grass once installed.
- Watering Output: With average water pressure, a portable sprinkler delivers about two-tenths of an inch of water per hour. It takes approximately 5 hours to deliver 1 inch of water. Always verify your output using rain gauges.
- Saturation Warning: If water runs off into the street before saturating your yard, a slope may be causing runoff. Watering in 2-3 hour sessions allows for better absorption.
Watering Instructions
January – March
- Installation Day:
- Water with 1 inch (approximately 5 hours with a portable sprinkler) until the ground feels squishy.
- After Installation:
- Water every 7-10 days.
- When you can no longer pick up corners of the sod, reduce watering to every 2-3 weeks.
- If you can stick your finger into the soil and it’s moist, no need to water. If the ground feels hard and dry, it’s time to water again. Always adjust for rainfall.
April
- Installation Day:
- Apply 1.5-2.0 inches (8-10 hours with a portable sprinkler) until the sod is squishy.
- First 2 Weeks:
- Water 0.5 inches (about 2 hours) every other day.
- After 2 Weeks:
- When you can no longer pick up corners, reduce watering to 1 inch weekly (ideally split into two sessions of 0.5 inches each to prevent runoff). You might also break up the half-inch waterings into one hour, twice a day.
May – September
- Installation Day:
- Water with 1.5-2.0 inches (8-10 hours with a portable sprinkler) until squishy.
- First 2 Weeks:
- Water daily with 0.5 inches (approximately 2 hours).
- After 2 Weeks:
- Reduce to 1 inch weekly, split into two or three sessions to ensure even watering.
- If grass appears gray and wilted by evening, give it a good drink—about an hour with a hose or sprinkler might be necessary.
October
- Installation Day:
- Apply 1.5-2.0 inches (8-10 hours with a portable sprinkler) until squishy.
- Once temperatures drop below 80°F:
- Reduce watering requirements to 1 inch every 7-10 days, then shift to every 2-3 days for an hour as needed. Once you can no longer pick up corners, reduce watering to 1 inch every 2-3 weeks.
November – December
- Installation Day:
- Water with 1 inch (approximately 5 hours with a portable sprinkler) until squishy.
- After Installation:
- Water every 10-14 days. When corners can no longer be picked up, reduce watering to once every 2-3 weeks.
Mowing Instructions
Note: Avoid mowing until the grass is well-established, typically at least 2-3 weeks after installation.
January – March
- January/February:
- The grass will be dormant; do not mow.
- March:
- If the grass shows signs of greening, wait another 2-3 weeks before mowing. Once it attaches to the ground (you can no longer pick up corners), mow at a height of at least 3.5 inches, just clipping the tips of the blades.
April – December
- Keep mower blades at least 3.5 inches high when mowing after the initial establishment period. Mow only when the grass is firmly rooted.
Fertilizing Instructions
Important: Avoid using weed and feed fertilizers.
January – February
- No fertilization is needed during these months.
March – April
- 4-6 Weeks After Installation:
- Apply Nitro-Phos Imperial Fertilizer at half of the recommended rate on the bag.
May – September
- 4-6 Weeks After Installation:
- Use Nitro-Phos Superturf Fertilizer at half the recommended rate on the bag.
October – December
- 4-6 Weeks After Installation:
- Apply Nitro-Phos Fall Special Fertilizer at half the recommended rate on the bag.
Pest Control
Notes: Always read pesticide labels before application.
January – May
- No pesticides are necessary during this period.
June – September
- Pest Monitoring:
- Look for signs of chinch bugs and sod webworms—especially in hot spots near concrete.
- Chinch bugs create hot spots that look dry and brown.
- Sod webworm damage appears as circular patches resembling areas cut by a weed eater.
- Look for signs of chinch bugs and sod webworms—especially in hot spots near concrete.
- Both pests can be treated effectively with Cyonara pesticide; multiple applications may be required for effective control.
October – December
- No pesticides are necessary during this period.
Fungicide Application
Notes: Fungicides must be watered in to activate properly.
January – February
- No fungicide applications are needed during these months.
March – April
- For Palmetto St. Augustine in shadier areas:
- Apply Heritage G as a preventative fungicide within the first few days after installation.
- For Raleigh St. Augustine in sunnier areas:
- Apply Heritage G within the first week after installation and reapply after 21 days if needed.
May – August
- Watch for signs of gray leaf spot, characterized by yellowing blades with brown freckles.
- Apply Heritage G upon observing symptoms and reapply after another 21 days if necessary.
September – October
- Begin monitoring for brown patch in low lying wet areas; apply Heritage G when first signs appear and reapply after another 21 days.
November – December
- No fungicide applications are necessary during these months.
For any additional questions or concerns regarding your lawn care, please feel free to reach out to us at 281-431-7441. Enjoy your beautiful new lawn!
