You need to water your new sod everyday for the first two weeks.Water only in the mornings.When you water before 9 am less water is lost to evaporation and you allow the grass to dry before the evening.Put a small Tupperware container out to measure how much water your lawn is getting. The goal is to collect and inch of water in your container.
How much water for new sod?
When you water your lawn, give it an inch of water. You may need to water your sod for a long time depending on the output of your sprinkler. Water with a sprinkler and check for dry spots where the sprinkler may not reach. Sprinklers can miss edges. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not muddy or squishy. Do not let it dry out!
Can you water sod too much?
Yes, while unlikely, it is possible to overwater. You do not want muddy or squishy ground. The best way to check is with your finger, the ground should be damp, not muddy or soupy. Clay soils may need less water, and sandy, well draining soils, may need more water.
How long to water new sod with a sprinkler.
You want to leave the sprinkler on until 1" of water has been put on the grass. This can take 45 minutes to 1 hour for most sprinklers. Some of our customers put out a water gauge or an empty can to collect the water from the sprinkler. Check on the container in 15 minute intervals until 1" of water has been collected, then you know how long to have your sprinkler on every morning.
After 12-14 days, check to make sure the sod is rooting by gently pulling up a sod roll. You should see white roots
After two weeks, you can start to cut back and water every 2-3 days. During the first year, you will need to stick to a watering schedule, especially in times of drought. An established lawn will require 1" of water per week.
I am hoping you found this article informative. If you need any further information, we are happy to help.
