New Project Information
Sod/Lawn Watering Instructions
First Two Weeks
Please minimize the amount of people or pet traffic on new sod as much as possible. Best results if you stay off new sod completely until after the first mowing.
Proper watering of sod is essential for healthily root establishment.
Keep your sod and soil moist by watering frequently throughout the day for short periods of time the first two weeks.
The roots are short so the sod cannot withstand large amounts of water at a single time.
It is best to water 3 to 4 times a day, for approximately 4 to 6 minutes minutes each time.
This required until the roots have been established or approximately 15 days.
Root establishment will usually begin within 7 to 14 days depending on the time of year your sod is installed and your environment.
Too much water will suffocate the roots by revenging oxygen flow and in warmer weather that possibly can lead to diseases.
The length of each watering cycle will depend on your soil type and the output of your irrigation system. A clay type soil may need 5 minutes, 4 times a day compared to a more sandy loam that may need up to seven minutes and up to 5 times a day!
You have to judge the minutes given, but here is a tip: If you see some puddles or the water is standing under the sod for more than just a few minutes after a sprinkler cycle finished or if the soil is soggy, you are probably overwatering each cycle. Which can be done by simply reducing the watering time per cycle by a minute or 2.
Avoid, if at all possible, watering into the evening hours (5pm or later); this is one of the quickest ways to create a fungus problem in your lawn!
After a week and a half (or about 12-15 days after installation), start reducing the frequency of watering cycles just before the first mowing. This will firm up the soil for a healthy mowing cycle.
The first mowing should be approximately 14 days after the sod has been installed. In the winter you may need to wait longer for the roots to establish prior to mowing.
Never mow off more than 1/3 of the blade during a mowing cycle. This results in less stress for the plant.
After 2 to 3 Weeks
Reduce the frequency of times you water at a gradual pace. You can validate the establishment of the roots by pulling up a corner of the sod, and if you feel some resistance, you can eliminate the last irrigation set of the day (reduce from 4 times a day down to 3 times a day.
However, you may need to add a minute or 2 to the other irrigation sets, depending on your wether and environment. Now the roots should be deep and can tolerate a few more minutes of water per cycle.
In another week or so you can repeat this process until you are only watering once a day!
Deeper, less frequent watering will help roots stretch down deeper and establish quickly into the soil.
QUICK TIP: Pet owners!
If your pets make their way onto your new lawn for a bathroom break, water down that area to minimize burn spots!
Fertilize your new sod approximately 4 to 6 weeks after installation to ensure continued establishment of the roots and a beautiful looking lawn!