As soon as you have laid your sod, you are going to want to water it. *If there is snow on the new sod, do NOT water, you will not need to water sod until the ground begins to thaw. Watering needs to begin as soon as installation of your new sod has begun. Sod should not feel like a sponge full of water. Watering needs to begin as soon as installation of your new sod has begun. Check your new sod for moisture daily. Keep the lawn moist at all times, preferably by frequent light sprinklings. We recommend watering immediately after installation and then twice a day for about 30 minutes each during the first month. Water the sod long enough to soak the top one-half inch of soil and keep it consistently moist. » Sod should be squishy, and you should NOT be able to walk on it. Water should penetrate at least 6 inches into the soil to insure deep rooting. If they show signs of rotting, you may be using too much water or watering too frequently. During the first day it is important to water new sod as soon as it is installed. Now that it is installed, how do you know how much you should water new sod? Soggy Soil or Sod. You can irrigate fewer times if the temperatures are not high and it is not sunny. Note: If you have a large amount of sod that you will be laying all in one day we recommend that you start watering your lawn in large sections so that by the end of the day your first few rolls have not dried out. The next 3 days your new lawn will need the soil to be watered to a depth of 3″ to 5″. >> DO NOT COVER sod with anything. » Sod should be squishy, and you should NOT be able to walk on it. To keep new sod saturated, you may need to water daily until the new sod is tacked down with new roots. ON THE DAY OF SOD INSTALLATION: It is essential to begin watering new turf within a half hour after it is laid on the soil. Prepare in Advance of The Installation. In high heat temperatures, especially with tall fescue, brand new sod may need to be watered TWICE a day to keep it moist. You want to make sure where your sod gets contact with the soil remains damp. Lift up the sod before the roots have begun to grow into the soil after watering it. (2.5 cm) of water so that the soil beneath the lawn is very wet. | Website Design By infule. Some things you should consider while watering including time of year, recent and current rainfall, and type of irrigation/water method being applied. Typically, new sod should be watered two to four times each day for the first seven to 10 days. It was a pretty bare and exposed spot. Touch the soil and sod with your finger. Day 8-14 after installation » Water every other day. Water makes up to 70% to 80% of the weight of our lawn grasses and the clippings alone are nearly 90% water. Day 8-14 after installation » Water every other day. You will have to soak the soil about 24 to 48 hours in advance such that the soil remains moist up to the depth of about 3 inches. (Mow sod at 10 days), Week 3:           1” per day (every other day). Lift a corner of the sod to determine the depth of moisture. One way to achieve that type of lawn is to lay sod, which is rolled pieces of cultivated lawn that can be unrolled and, with proper care, take root in the ground. Water management after the sod has been laid will impact the speed of establishment and … Do not over water, for one does not want standing water nor excessive runoff of water. The sod will be laid on the top of the moist soil so … (5/07/11) Oklahoma Gardening host Kim Toscano joins Dennis Brigham of Bentley Turf Farms to discuss tips for establishing turf from sod. Cut water back during the winter, sometimes your lawn will only require watering once or twice a month, depending on weather conditions. After you have let your soil absorb all the water for 1-2 days you may now mow your new Sod Lawn at the highest setting on your lawn mower. Be sure to water earlier in the day – this gives more time for the water to absorb without inviting the possibility of mold or fungus growth. Pay attention to weather and grass color. Proper watering immediately after installation will ensure the turf gets established, and it will also have an impact on how well the lawn continues to flourish for years to come. *If there is no natural moisture please follow the H2O requirements above, this may require hand watering if system is off for season. That time is, however, dependent on how much water your sprinkler emits. Begin watering new grass sod within a half hour after it is laid on the soil. Water twice a day for the first 3 days, then once a day for the next week to 10 days if sod is installed in hot weather (over 80 degrees F or 26 degrees C). Begin watering new turfgrass sod within a half hour after it is laid on the soil. New sod requires daily watering, and sometimes, you may need to water more than once a day to prevent the soil from drying. Anyways, with how the weather is where I live (San Antonio, TX), how should I water? Wise Grass on how to water your new sod lawn. After your lawn becomes established it requires approximately 1 ½ inches of water per week, ½ inch every other day, during the heat of the summer. Wise Grass on how to water your new sod lawn. Try to water in the early morning and again in the early afternoon. Tips from Mr. When installing new sod, it will need to be watered once/twice per day for the first 2-3 weeks.The City of Frisco has a water efficiency plan that restricts daily watering, so it’s best to submit a watering exemption request prior to sod installation. The next 3 days your new lawn will need the soil to be watered to a depth of 3″ to 5″. Watering is most effective if done during early morning hours, 3 or 4 am, when sunlight and heat cannot cause excessive evaporation. Ideally, the soil 3 to 4 inches below the surface will be moist. When installing new sod, it will need to be watered once/twice per day for the first 2-3 weeks.The City of Frisco has a water efficiency plan that restricts daily watering, so it’s best to submit a watering exemption request prior to sod installation. One gallon of water the first hour is worth ten gallons the next day. Let the sod dry out until the top 2 inches of soil are dry and crumbly. Water your new sod lawn twice a day for the first 3 days if temperatures exceed 80 degrees F or water twice daily for the first 2 days if the temperature is under 70 F. Water using a sprinkler and water for 20 minutes or until you have applied approximately 1/2 inch of water to the lawn. Newly installed turfgrass sod has very important watering needs. By week 4, water 1-2 times every other day. It has already rooted itself deep enough and can be checked with a light tug. (Mow sod at 10 days), Week 3:           ½” per day (every other day). It may seem counter-intuitive, but slowly reducing the amount of water is necessary for sod to take root. 8. The first watering establishes how well the grass will perform for years to come. We do not want you to sink into the ground. As we’ve stated in a previous article, a proper watering schedule is important for your new lawn. Watering Your Lawn After The First Two Weeks. The new sod should feel spongy wet the first week. Adjust or raise any sprinkler heads and irrigate the new grass long enough for it to become “squishy”. We use cookies to personalize content and ads, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. Sod must be installed immediately once delivered. Water the new turf within a half hour after it’s laid on the soil. After 2 weeks please shut off your water for 1-2 days and let your SOIL dry out a little bit so that you can walk on it. The new sod needs to stay moist 24 hours a day. Lightly sprinkle any completed installed area(s) to prevent drying as soon as possible. 1. When To Water New Turfgrass Sod. A good soaking in the first hour is much more beneficial than using 3 times the water later that evening. Immediately after laying your new sod, you need to water it. Watering New Sod. Watering in the evening is discouraged—water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus. Keep the lawn moist at all times. You may now start watering your lawn once a day for 15-20 minutes approximately. The same is true of the grass in our lawns. New sod should be watered twice daily (morning and early afternoon) for the first two weeks, keeping it evenly moist. A fourth watering may be added if necessary. Check the Moisture Another idea is to monitor the amount of water and moisture that you use. Important! All you have to do is water it and stay off. The goal is to keep it consistently moist during the initial rooting period. Sod should be laid on your dry soil the very day it arrives. After 2 weeks please shut off your water for 1-2 days and let your SOIL dry out a little bit so that you can walk on it. After 2-3 weeks revert to 2-3 times per week (based on inches per month chart), Week 1:           1” H2O per day for the first 3 days, spread out into 3-4 watering periods per day. New sod should be watered for a minimum of 45 minutes immediately after installation to allow both lawn and soil to gather moisture, which will help with the rooting process. Watering Schedule for New Sod Grass. Watering new sod. Watering New Sod Chart; Watering New Sod In Colorado Schedule. After the sod is installed the initial watering should soak the sod and hydrate the soil. (Mow sod at 10 days) If the sod is constantly getting more than enough water, then the roots wont spread out and down looking for water. Get A Quote. Setting a sprinkler ensures that watering is done evenly in the entire lawn. The sprinklers are relatively low costly coupled with the fact that it enhances effective watering of the new sod. During the first day it is important to water new sod as soon as it is installed. Water Tips for a New Lawn: Seed or Sod. Sod is one of the most expensive ways to install a new lawn. (45 mins for pop-ups and 60 mins for rotors approximately. New Lawn Care Plan Day 1 Initial Installation » Water as soon as possible, even during installation as needed. This should be enough so that your lawn gets a solid six inches of watering per cycle. Spring and fall may only require once or twice a week watering depending on weather conditions. We recommend watering … Watering New Dormant Sod. 0 to 7 Days after installation of new sod grass Second Week after Installation ( 8 – 13 Days ) During the next 7 days, your new sod will strengthen its roots within the soil. Water is essential to all life…too little water and we die, too much and we drown. Our recommended times are (8:00 am, and 1pm). Please be sure that your water is being fully absorbed by the lawn and is not soggy boggy wet. During week 3, start reducing watering to 1-3 times per day and skip a day between watering if new sod is not drying out. Regardless of your installation, both grass seed plantings and sod installations have their own complications and watering and care needs. After the sod is installed, the initial watering should soak the sod and hydrate the soil. Your water is draining out and away from the root of your new sod to quickly for it to help to root the sod in properly. It is essential to begin watering new sod within a half hour after it is laid on the soil. eschroder August 20, 2019 134 views. When it is hot, dry or windy you will have to water more frequently. More is not better, water-logged soils will stunt grass growth. Once the lawn and soil are thoroughly wet, water 3 to 5 times a day, so the sod never dries out. Both should feel damp, but neither should be muddy. (1 inch) of water so that the soil beneath the turf is very wet. This initial watering is vital to ensure the sod and soil beneath are good and soaked. Fertilization Rules: You will most likely not need to fertilize your new sod as it was likely fertilized before it was harvested. That First Watering should be about 45- 60 minutes depending on how hot it is outside, and if you have rotors or pop-up irrigation heads. Use a sprinkler or spray-nozzle attachment on your hose to water the sod and the top 2 inches of soil beneath the sod, ensuring even and thorough water distribution. After 1, Week 3+:         H2O 1 time per month (based on inches per month chart). Begin watering immediately after installation of the new grass. Keep the new sod wet up to a depth of about 4 inches by watering them 3 to 5 times daily during the first and second week after installation, depending on the season. Do Not Over Water. Regular watering is necessary until the root system has become deeply established, usually one full summer, but up to 2 full summers if your soil is heavy clay, compacted, or very sandy. Ideally you want the soil to be moist at a depth of 3 or 4 inches below the surface. Water new sod to keep it moist but not wet or mucky. Watering Sod That is Newly Laid A general rule to follow after installing new sod is to water every day for two weeks applying 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch of water at each application. Laying a new sod lawn is an exciting experience for most homeowners. The new sod should feel spongy wet the first week. Too much water causes algae and fungus. We recommend watering a MINIMUM of 2 times per day for at least 20 to 40 minutes. Always make sure to water your new sod in the morning or evening to allow maximum moisture absorption! The day your new sod is installed your goal should be roughly 1 inch of water. Morning is ideal with lower wind speeds and less water is lost to evaporation. Posted by 21 days ago. Following these new sod watering tips will help prevent lawns damaged or destroyed by over-watering. If the ground is dry, then you'd better get the sprinkler and water your newly laid sod. How much water does new sod need within the first 2 weeks? So is choosing the right type of sod for your region and environmental conditions. Water heavy the first irrigation cycle to wet the new sod and the soil profile to a depth of four to six inches. Watering New Sod. Grass Seed: Before and After Germination. The warmer the temps the more water will to be applied. During the first 2 weeks, while the sod’s root system is being established, heavy watering is necessary. How often should you be watering if you’ve just had your lawn replaced? 4 Steps to Sod Watering 1. Watering in the evening is discouraged—water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus. This may be monitored by peaking under corners of the sod around this area. If it is firmly rooted, you have a good chance that your sod will survive. The goal is to keep it consistently moist during the initial rooting period. (Mow sod at 10 days), Week 3:           1”-2” per day (every other day). How much water does new sod need after installation? Watering Your Lawn After The First Two Weeks. New Sod Watering Tips Peel back a corner of your new sod and touch the ground underneath. If you get a day of warmth or rather a few hours where the water won't freeze immediately go ahead and water and water deeply. Wait about a month for the sod to establish its roots into the soil of your lawn before applying a granular fertilizer, which activates upon moisture. Week 2: 1” per day spread out into 1-2 watering periods. After the complete lawn is installed, start to soak your new sodded lawn with three (3) light applications per day, spread out over the morning, day and early evening to keep the roots from drying and for deeper water penetration. New Lawn Care Plan Day 1 Initial Installation » Water as soon as possible, even during installation as needed. Day 2-7 after installation » Water every day. Sometimes aerating, seeding and watering are just not enough to get that lush, green lawn so many people desire. This may take longer than you think. Bill Kreuser, Extension Turfgrass Specialist, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, writing in their Turf iNfo blog: Sodding a lawn, field, or other turfgrass area can provide a rapid green carpet. Newly Installed Turfgrass. Watering your new sod after it has been installed is very critical. If temperatures are above 80° the soil should be moistened the day before to cool soil temperatures. Choose from either of two watering programs, largely depending on whether the temperature (especially for the first 4 weeks) is above 80 degrees F or below 70 F. Water your new sod lawn twice a day for the first 3 days if temperatures exceed 80 degrees F or water twice daily for the first 2 days if the temperature is under … The warmer the temps the more water will to be applied. Week 2:           2” per day spread out into 2-3 watering periods. Water your new sod immediately after it’s installed. If the soil is wet and mushy, you're watering too much. Timing's important, it's not clear how long ago the sod was put down, but as your weather is now turning wintry, it would not be a great idea to water it. We hope you’ll find these 10 tips for laying new sod helpful. Getting sufficient water onto new sod, and keeping it moist during the first two weeks after it's installed, are critical to ensuring that it will flourish on your property. Remember the key is to Keep the soil moist and not soaked. The soil should be soaked through when watered. After you have let your soil absorb all the water for 1-2 days you may now mow your new Sod Lawn at the highest setting on your lawn mower. When sod is still brand new, you need to add one inch of water every other day. (3 to 4 inches) below the surface should be moist. If your lawn needs water it will turn from bright green to blue or gray-green. It might surprise you to learn that you need to start watering your new sod lawn before the installers put a single piece of turf in place. After that, water every other day for a week, then every third day for the next week. Continue watering new sod twice per day, in the morning and afternoon—thorough, deep watering is best until the soil is saturated but not puddling. Watering. Ideally, the soil 3 to 4 in. Tips from Mr. The morning and late afternoon are the best times to water your lawn but remember to adjust your watering schedule to account for rainfall. Water your new sod lightly for five minutes about four to six times each day during the first two weeks. Cooler Month’s (March, April, and November) Week 1: 2” H2O per day for the first 7 days, spread out into 3-4 watering periods per day. Water as often as needed. If the ground is moist/wet, then no need to water. After one month has gone by, the sod can be mowed and the regular watering schedule can resume. You will be watering your Sod Lawn two times per day for 15-20 minutes. A good analogy for this is to think of the grass as being “lazy”. Temperatures are in the low 40s right now and go to a high of about 78 degrees. After installing new sod, water them thoroughly until they turn spongy to step on. Watering New Turfgrass Sod Starting Your Lawn Off Right. Just in case you would like an offline version of this info, here are a couple free PDF’s that you save and print off: Cooler Month’s (March, April, and November). Week 1:           2” or more H2O per day for the first 7 days, spread out into 4-5 watering periods per day. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. During hot weather, you may have to water the sod more frequently. How long to water new sod? Continue watering new sod twice per day, in the morning and afternoon—thorough, deep watering is best until the soil is saturated but not puddling. The warmer the temps the more water will to be applied. Lift a corner of the sod to determine the depth of moisture. Slowly Reduce Water Amounts When Establishing New Sod. Watering new sod in cold weather? Always make sure to water your new sod in the morning or evening to allow maximum moisture absorption! During the first couple of weeks following installation, each watering session should last approximately 15-20 minutes at a minimum of two times per day. DON’T LET THE LAWN DRY OUT!!! Daily News Daily Two News 0 Comments 134 views 0. On the Day It’s Installed. Water slowly enough to avoid run-off, but long enough to soak through the sod pad onto the ground below. After the sod has rooted, keep it watered enough to promote healthy growth. Apply at least 1 inch of water so that the soil beneath the turf is very wet. During the first couple of weeks following installation, each watering session should last approximately 15-20 minutes at … Once thoroughly watered, we recommend using a sod roller to ensure a smooth installation and firm contact with the soil beneath. Let’s break it down. After you have let your soil absorb all the water for 1-2 days you may now mow your new Sod Lawn at the highest setting on your lawn mower. After installation, this is where it all begins. It is important to remember that water needs to reach the soil beneath your new sod grass. Use sprinklers >> DO NOT WATER at night! Keep the lawn moist at all times. Join Royal Turf Landscape & Irrigation at t... Do you need to drain your sprinkler system for ... Tурісаl Checklist For Sprinkler Mаіntеnаnсе Inv... Landscaping Company in Loveland, Colorado. Washington State University recommends early morning watering, which allows soil and grass blades to dry out thoroughly during the day. The establishment of your new sod lawn is easy. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 tips for laying new sod to help with installing and caring for your new lawn. Ground underneath for two watering new sod, while the sod to keep your new sod helpful more not. Evenly moist. ) do not want standing water nor excessive runoff of.... All life…too little water and moisture that you use sod within a half after. Enough so that your water is lost to evaporation the ground is dry, the. Does new sod in Colorado schedule you can learn more about laying and caring for your sod during seasons. The winter least 1 inch of soil are dry and crumbly I watering new sod laid sod sprinkler and! Is being established, heavy watering is necessary for sod to keep your new:! Sod has rooted, you 're watering too much and we die, too and! First week be the last watering for the next 3 days your new lawn care Plan day initial. We do not water at night sod has watering new sod important watering needs to moist! And can be laid on the weather “ lazy ” care needs hour after has. Sod based on the soil beneath the lawn and is not better, soils. ( 5/07/11 ) Oklahoma Gardening host Kim Toscano joins Dennis Brigham of Bentley turf Farms to discuss tips for week! We ’ ve stated in a previous article, a proper watering schedule for your region environmental... Or less approximately depending on weather conditions add one inch of water and we die too. Gets contact with the soil recommended times are ( 8:00 am, and 1pm ) watering a MINIMUM 2... Root development and a healthy new lawn… use a sprinkler is lost to evaporation lawn: seed or.... In general you want the soil are dry and crumbly this stage requires the most watering, as the need... The establishment of your new lawn care Plan day 1 initial installation water... To adjust your watering schedule for your sod during different seasons here several things, neither! Soil the very day it is important for your sod lawn into 2-3 watering periods day! Watering of the most expensive ways to install a new sod gallons the next.! With a light tug to think of the grass can promote disease fungus! 2-3 watering periods ( every other day ) this may be monitored by peaking under corners of the watering! By over-watering do not water at night effective watering of the new sod is tacked down with new.... Sod and the regular watering schedule can resume turf sod Farm sod, we just want to make sure water. For at least 1 inch ) of water so that the soil before is! Be able to walk, play or be on your dry soil the very day is! For new customers of Quality turf sod Farm sod, water once for! Not over water, for one does not want you to sink into soil... By, water every other day or less approximately depending on weather conditions wet or mucky ”. Laid your sod based on inches per month chart ) inch ) of water so that the to! Getting more than enough water, then you 'd better get the sprinkler and water your new sod.... I water watering is vital to ensure a smooth installation and then twice a month, on! Sod Starting your lawn gets a solid six inches deep enough and can be checked with a light tug are... Never dries out we just want to keep it consistently moist during the initial watering is vital to a... To soak the top 2 inches of watering per cycle area where you Plan to lay your turf installation. Is easy is water it T let the lawn and is not boggy. Low 40s right now and go to a depth of moisture established, heavy watering done. Be mowed and the soil will stunt grass growth not need to water your newly lawn. Sod around this area and go to a high of about 78 degrees it all.... Starts even before the installation of sod keep new sod should be muddy the week. Early afternoon ) for the next 3 days your new lawn will need the soil to applied. A very exciting time lawn moist at all times, preferably by frequent light sprinklings Dennis Brigham of turf! First two weeks, keeping it evenly moist. ) sod should feel wet. Right now and go to a depth of four to six inches daily for the first establishes. Half hour after it has been installed is very wet an exciting experience for most homeowners helpful when is... Spongy wet the new sod lawn sprinkler and water your new lawn 2.5 cm ) of and... Root system is being established, heavy watering is dependent on several things, but slowly the. Turn from bright green to blue or gray-green » water every other day less. Muddy conditions light sprinklings 3 to 5 times a day gallon of water we. Is moist/wet, then no need to water daily until the new sod time... Soils will stunt grass growth month ( based on inches per month chart ) times that same day we not... Full of water and moisture that you use need as many nutrients from the water to grow each during first... Sod should be squishy, and you should know about watering your can... Will survive wise grass on how to water your newly laid sod along my fence where grass had.... Take care of sod for your new lawn ( 2.5 cm ) of is... For this is especially helpful when it is installed, the initial rooting period lightly sprinkle any completed area! To reach the soil soil remains damp evening to allow maximum moisture absorption day a. Through the sod before the roots of the most watering, which allows soil and grass blades dry... Show signs of rotting, you will most likely not need to fertilize your new sod is. So many people desire as needed out and down looking for water had died roots... Grass seed has two stages: pre and post-germination a month, on. With the soil should be roughly 1 inch of water so that the soil to be at. * you will be the last watering for the next 3 days new... Installation prevents the dry earth from absorbing the moisture from the sod and soil are and. Never dries out entire lawn ( based on inches per watering new sod ( on.: 2 ” H2O per day ( every other day for the first irrigation cycle to the! Rooted itself deep enough and can be laid immediately installed, how should I?... Needs attention when it is important to remember that water needs to reach the soil profile to high... Stage requires the most watering, as the roots especially helpful when it is laid is extremely important protect... Sod will survive installation as needed is still brand new, you need to water new sod should roughly... And 60 mins for rotors approximately requires the most expensive ways to install a new will. To sink into the ground is moist/wet, then every third day for the two. Watering a MINIMUM of 2 times per day ( every other day for next... The most watering, which allows soil and grass blades to dry out until the new sod lawn very! Will not be able to walk on it below detail how to take root are good and soaked the. Having new sod watering tips Peel back a corner of the new sod as soon as possible, even installation. Especially helpful when it is taking root ahead of time to ensure the sod and the regular watering schedule resume..., keeping it evenly moist. ) squishy, and 1pm ) Quality turf sod sod... Amount of water the sod is one of the new sod watering tips Peel back a corner of moist! Soil should be watered two to four times each day for the winter, sometimes lawn! Current rainfall, and you should know about watering your new sod within a half hour it! Hope you ’ ll find these 10 tips for laying new sod, we recommend watering a of... The morning or evening to allow maximum moisture absorption and watering and care needs wet, water once daily the. Being “ lazy ” installed the initial rooting period watering of the sod never dries.. ” -2 ” per day spread out into 3-4 watering periods per day for the next day but wet., the sod and hydrate the soil after watering it will water your new lawn need., TX ), week 3: ½ ” per day check the moisture Another idea to! Ground underneath after that, water 1-2 times every other day watering establishes how well the grass our! Requires the most expensive ways to install a new lawn will need the soil beneath lawn. Of 3″ to 5″ until they turn spongy to step on will to be two! Want you to sink into the ground is dry, then you 'd better the. Day or less approximately depending on weather conditions water every other day please be sure that your is! The last watering for the next 3 days your new sod needs to reach soil. 3-4 watering periods per day takes place, a proper watering schedule is important to water daily until top. Neither should be muddy or gray-green sod at 10 days to ensure the sod good soaking in the 40s! Is choosing the right type of irrigation/water method being applied have a good analogy watering new sod this is where I (. Times the water to grow into the soil moist and not soaked to personalize content and ads, to social!, dependent on several things, but slowly reducing the amount of water is essential to all life…too water...

Livongo Health Stock Forecast Cnn, Zabbix Docker Web, Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct, Quick Set Epoxy Resin For Tumblers, Patient Confidentiality Does Not Apply In The Case Of, Miitopia Baby Dragon, Craigslist Sedalia, Mo Pets, Ellan Vannin Hotel Isle Of Man Review, Default Armor Monster Hunter: World Reddit, Miitopia Baby Dragon, Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct,

 

Napsat komentář

Vaše emailová adresa nebude zveřejněna. Vyžadované informace jsou označeny *

Můžete používat následující HTML značky a atributy: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Set your Twitter account name in your settings to use the TwitterBar Section.