Proper watering upon installation is essential to successful establishment:

• Prior to installation, ensure irrigation systems are working properly and cover all areas to be planted
• Water thoroughly upon installation, ensuring that both the Sapphire is wet and the soil is moist to a depth of 3". Wetting the soil to approximately 1" prior to installation is suggested.
• In hot weather, water immediately following installation to mitigate severe damage or loss due to heat/dehydration stress
• To promote root establishment, water as needed to keep the new turf from dehydrating
• Shaded areas and heavy soils require less water than full-sun areas and sandy soils
• Remember to avoid overwatering to the point of puddling or runoff
• Watering is most effective when done in the early morning hours. Nighttime waterings are not recommended.
• During winter and cooler months keep turf hydrated, not continually saturated
• When proper rooting is evident, alter irrigation program accordingly (see Post Establishment Irrigation)
• Visit our Watering Tips for more information on proper irrigation

Mowing: New installations are often uneven, and care should be taken not to scalp high areas. A common mistake is not to mow a newly installed lawn, which slows establishment and encourages the turf to become “leggy”.

• Mow within 7-10 days of installation and bag clippings for the first few mowings. Mowing and bagging encourages root growth, removes debris from installation and encourages new top growth
• See Post Establishment Mowing, below, for more information

Insecticides: Newly installed turfgrass can be susceptible to insect damage, especially armyworms and webworms. New grass is more vulnerable than established turf due to the temporary loss of a deep root structure. Armyworms and webworms prefer new grass compared to established turf due to the “tenderness” of new growth.

• For any insecticide application, always read and follow label directions carefully
• Apply a broad-spectrum preventative insecticide to protect the turfgrass through the establishment particularly during the active cycle of the insects

Fungicides: During stressful times of the year, i.e. extremely wet and/or hot periods, a preventative fungicide should be applied at the time of installation.

• For any fungicide application, always read and follow label directions carefully
• Longer-residual products such as Heritage and Compass are preferred; however, a number of other products can be used during the establishment period, such as Subdue MAXX, Banner MAXX and ProStar

Fertility: Use a transplant-friendly regimen that will help reduce shock and minimize disease:

• Use a starter fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium. Incorporate at 3” if possible.
• A recommended starter fertilizer would be Milorganite or a similar product.
• The use of a high nitrogen fertilizer on a new lawn can cause permanent damage.