Overseed 101
When you overseed in Oklahoma, it is important to follow the best practices to grow the best quality cool Season turf. Watering in a proper manner can increase the quality, and decrease the length of time to establish. All Oklahoma Sod farms overseed using these methods. You too can grow sod quality turf by following these recommendations
- Mow turf as low as possible removing clippings
- Apply a blend of Fescues (multiple varieties for diversifaction)
- Ferilize with a very gentle blend when seeding
- Manage your watering schedule
Managing your water schedule
Proper watering is as important as the choice of the cool season grass seed variety. The best results are acheived in September in the Northeast Oklahoma area.
I developed this chart over 15 years ago & I have shared it with hundreds of people.
THREE PHASES OF SEED ESTABLISHMENT IN TULSA
1. SEEDLING GERMINATION – SEED BED SHOULD BE DAMP NOT SOAKED
2. GRASS ESTABLISHMENT – WEAN THE SEEDLINGS
3. GRASS MATURITY – NORMAL PERIODIC WATERING
PHASE I - SEEDLING- WATER TWO TO FOUR TIMES DAILY DEPENDING ON SOIL TYPE. CLAYS NEED LESS FREQUENCY AND SANDY SOILS NEED MORE FREQUENCY. THE RUNNING TIMES FOR YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM SHOULD BE REDUCED FROM THE NORMAL TIMES. USUALLY 3-10 MINUTE WILL PROVIDE ENOUGH WATER. REMEMBER, DAMP NOT SOAKED. THIS SHOULD CONTINUE FOR 10 –21 DAYS.
HEAD TYPE |
RUN TIME |
FREQUENCY |
PERIOD |
|
|
POP-UP SPRAY |
3-7 MINUTES |
2-4 TIMES DAILY |
10-21 DAYS |
|
|
ROTARY |
4-10 MINUTES |
2-4 TIMES DAILY |
10-21 DAYS |
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PHASE II – GRASS ESTABLISHMENT – AS THE SEEDLINGS MATURE, THEY MUST BE WEANED OF DAMPNESS TO PROMOTE ROOT GROWTH. INCREASE THE WATERING TIME BUT ONLY WATER ONCE DAILY. CONTINUE FOR TWO TO FOUR WEEKS.
HEAD TYPE |
RUN TIME |
FREQUENCY |
PERIOD |
|
|
POP-UP SPRAY |
5-15 MINUTES |
ONCE DAILY |
2-4 WEEKS |
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ROTARY |
10-30 MINUTES |
ONCE DAILY |
2-4 WEEKS |
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PHASE III – GRASS MATURITY – RETURN TO A NORMAL SCHEDULE OF NO MORE THAN EVERY OTHER DAY UNLESS SEVERE HEAT STRESS OCCURS.
HEAD TYPE |
RUN TIME |
FREQUENCY |
PERIOD |
|
|
POP-UP SPRAY |
5-20 MINUTES |
AS NEEDED |
SEASONAL |
|
|
ROTARY |
10-60 MINUTES |
ASNEEDED |
SEASONAL |
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Hope this helps you have that great lawn and I would love to hear you comments both now and in the future.