ALABAMA A&M and AUBURN UNIVERSITIES

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A WATER PLAN IS IMPORTANT WHEN ESTABLISHING THE HOME LAWN

AUBURN, JULY 3---Establishing a lawn is an easy task when it's given adequate water.

According to Jeff Higgins, Extension turfgrass specialist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, more turfgrass plantings fail for lack of water than all other causes combined. New turfgrass plantings also fail because the installer or home owner doesn't have a good plan.

Good lawns don't just happen. A plan is needed. Here are several rules for establishing a lawn.

  • Select the most suitable turfgrass that is adapted for your region. Consider the climate, soil type, availability of water, shade (now and in the future), and maintenance budget. Next, locate a good source of seed, sod, sprigs or plugs.
  • Save the topsoil. If this is a new home site, have the contractor push aside the top 6-12 inches of soil from the house site and stockpile it for planting "skinned" areas created in grading the building site.
  • Grade and contour the site. This usually requires a tractor and box blade to shape the site to the desired slope to ensure good surface drainage.
  • Amend the soil where needed. Add peat, sawdust, sand or bark to improve water and nutrient-holding capacity of seedbed.
  • Soil test. Collect a random soil sample. Based on soil test results, incorporate needed lime and/or fertilizer by disking or rotary tilling to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
  • Firm the seedbed. If the seedbed is loose and fluffy, firm it by rolling, cultipacking or watering.
  • Plant or seed. If seeded, firm seed to soil.
  • Apply straw mulch. On seeded areas, apply a straw mulch to reduce erosion and to prevent rapid drying of seedbed.
  • Water lightly several times daily until germination and rooting have been established. If vegetatively planted, water immediately and keep the soil moist until turfgrass is well- rooted.
  • Fertilize new lawns. Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of soluble N/1,000 square feet weekly on vegetatively planted materials until coverage is as desired. Delay fertilizing seeded turfgrass until 45 days.
  • Mow turfgrass before it gets too tall. Begin mowing when the turfgrass is 1/2 to 1 inch above desired height of cut.

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    SOURCE: JEFF HIGGINS, Extension turf specialist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-4100.