Suppose you’ve just planted a new sod grass, then you’re probably aware that it needs an investment of both time and money. Watering adequately after installing your sod will ensure it gains a foothold in the soil and guarantee that your ideal lawn remains lush, green, and healthy.
Fresh sod is particularly fragile; without good watering advice, it will die down. The fresh grass requires optimum necessities to grow its roots and firmly integrate with the lawn soil. New sod grass must be watered regularly. Let’s go over how often to water new sod.
Fresh sod is particularly fragile; without good watering advice, it will die down. The fresh grass requires optimum necessities to grow its roots and firmly integrate with the lawn soil. New sod grass must be watered regularly. Let’s go over how often to water new sod.
Note: Before Laying New Sod
Before laying sod, take time to prep your ground, and you’ll get favourable results.
All sprinkler heads must be marked with paint or sprinkler flags.
If your lawn does not have a mow curb or other lawn edging, use paint to flag where you need the sod trim. And this will give you an outline to cut and form the lawn.
Ensure the soil is loose and smooth. The lawn will need plenty of nutrients to develop its new root system, so spread starter fertilizer on the ground before installing the sod.
All sprinkler heads must be marked with paint or sprinkler flags.
If your lawn does not have a mow curb or other lawn edging, use paint to flag where you need the sod trim. And this will give you an outline to cut and form the lawn.
Ensure the soil is loose and smooth. The lawn will need plenty of nutrients to develop its new root system, so spread starter fertilizer on the ground before installing the sod.
When To Water Newly Laid Sod?
Water your sod within thirty minutes after installing it in your yard. Shower enough water to secure that the soil beneath the sod is adequately wet.
For lighter soil, water about one to two inches right after installation; then, water up to 2.5 inches per week slowly on heavy clay.
Pull a few sods and insert a wooden dowel into the soil to see the moisture depth and check the saturation. Backtrack and rewater any dry areas multiple times to obtain good water penetration.
Water your new sod accordingly on the day it’s laid since it will die if offered insufficient water. It’s essential not to oversaturate your soil as newly installed sod needs the correct amount of water to grow.
For lighter soil, water about one to two inches right after installation; then, water up to 2.5 inches per week slowly on heavy clay.
Pull a few sods and insert a wooden dowel into the soil to see the moisture depth and check the saturation. Backtrack and rewater any dry areas multiple times to obtain good water penetration.
Water your new sod accordingly on the day it’s laid since it will die if offered insufficient water. It’s essential not to oversaturate your soil as newly installed sod needs the correct amount of water to grow.
How Often To Water New Lawn?
Day One
After laying sod, you must moisten it adequately because water is required to maintain your sod and help establish itself. Generously flush it until the water seeps through at least a few inches into the dirt—it will feel soggy to step on. Inspect the turf every few hours. Don’t let it dry up.
First Two Weeks After Day One
Recently installed sod must be watered twice daily, ensuring that it receives a substantial six inches of watering per session. And this should vouch that the sod holds enough moisture and is not soggy.
The early stages or first two weeks following sod installation are crucial. Therefore, you must avoid walking on the new surface. Constantly saturate your sod with an in-ground sprinkler system. Abstain from hand watering using a hose, as it is tricky to get enough or uniform coverage.
One skipped watering session along with typical summer solstice and heat can cause the grass blades to turn brow. Poor watering also leads to several pieces of sod shrinking away from each other, leaving a patchwork lawn.
In scorching temperatures, specifically with tall fescue, new sod may require more water, about 2-3 times daily to keep the lawn moist.
The early stages or first two weeks following sod installation are crucial. Therefore, you must avoid walking on the new surface. Constantly saturate your sod with an in-ground sprinkler system. Abstain from hand watering using a hose, as it is tricky to get enough or uniform coverage.
One skipped watering session along with typical summer solstice and heat can cause the grass blades to turn brow. Poor watering also leads to several pieces of sod shrinking away from each other, leaving a patchwork lawn.
In scorching temperatures, specifically with tall fescue, new sod may require more water, about 2-3 times daily to keep the lawn moist.
First Mowing
Following the second week, your new lawn will have begun to establish solid rootings and will demand less water. To verify if your new lawn has grown roots, carefully lift one corner of your sod. Look for the short, white roots that must be beginning to develop. Please do not force it because you will only weaken the roots’ resilience.
Then let the new lawn dry out for a few days. Make sure you have a dry, firm surface on which to mow. For this first mow, don’t trim more than â…“ of the grass blade.
For the first week after mowing, water the grass once a day for between fifteen and twenty minutes for the following week.
You can cut watering for a day if you see the ground is still wet. Do not overwater since too much water will lead to root rot or fungus growth.
Then let the new lawn dry out for a few days. Make sure you have a dry, firm surface on which to mow. For this first mow, don’t trim more than â…“ of the grass blade.
For the first week after mowing, water the grass once a day for between fifteen and twenty minutes for the following week.
You can cut watering for a day if you see the ground is still wet. Do not overwater since too much water will lead to root rot or fungus growth.
After The First Mow And Week Three-Four After Installation
After the yard has been mowed the third time and the lawn has been established, you can slow watering to 3-4 times a week or every other day. It commonly needs about 1.5 inches of water per week during the heat of summer months.
The lawn will still require consistent watering for the first six months while the roots grow and go down further into the ground. Carefully check up on new lawns during the first entire year after installation.
The lawn will still require consistent watering for the first six months while the roots grow and go down further into the ground. Carefully check up on new lawns during the first entire year after installation.
Install An Irrigation System
Undoubtedly, the new grass sod will need water for growth. While numerous watering methods are available, an irrigation system is the best option for your lawn. It may seem costly, but it presents many benefits worth considering.
- It is excellent for ensuring your sod is watered at the ideal periods. Early morning or just before nightfall is the right time for watering, providing you with one minor thing to worry about when preparing for work or relaxing.
- You can help conserve water with automatic systems, as there is no water waste; every drop is saved.
- Using this in-ground system will guarantee that your entire landscape gets sufficient water.
- It prevents the growth of weeds because irrigation supplies water straight to the grassroots. It targets specific areas of your landscape to receive water.
- When lawns are watered with smaller amounts of water over a more extended period, nutrients are preserved, helping sods to grow greener and more luscious.
FAQs
Should I Leave Grass Clippings On New Sod?
Grass clippings are suitable for lawns because they turn into organic fertilizers. They are a good source of nutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium. While decomposing, they’re also a food source for the good bacteria in the soil, which are beneficial for a healthy turf environment.
How Much Water Does New Grass Need?
The water required to keep new sod healthy and alive depends on various factors: turfgrass, specific climate, and soil type. As a rule of thumb, water the sod deeply to dampen the soil underneath, preferably 3″ to 4″ below the soil.
What Is The Optimal Time Of Day To Water New Sod?
If your schedule permits, watering your new lawn in the morning or late evening is ideal due to lower wind speeds. Watering the lawn in the afternoon, the hottest time of the day, can cause the water to evaporate instead of being absorbed.
Consider investing in a timed sprinkler to spread the ideal volume of water at the best time of day.
Consider investing in a timed sprinkler to spread the ideal volume of water at the best time of day.
Should I Fertilize A New Sod?
Fertilizing a new lawn is necessary. Quality liquid fertilizers penetrate the soil to help acclimate the area underneath the surface and help develop and maintain a robust root system for your lawn.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to lay a new turfgrass, but the hard work doesn’t stop when you get everything arranged. It needs great care, the right sod maintenance, and an appropriate water measure.
New sod has to be watered more frequently to grow roots. It must be watered 5 to 6 times daily for almost 30 to 40 minutes during the establishment period. In the winter, watering requirements can be as little as once or twice a month, depending on rainfall and snow.
We should follow the necessary watering schedule to embed the sod surface in the ground and keep it healthy and green for the coming years.
New sod has to be watered more frequently to grow roots. It must be watered 5 to 6 times daily for almost 30 to 40 minutes during the establishment period. In the winter, watering requirements can be as little as once or twice a month, depending on rainfall and snow.
We should follow the necessary watering schedule to embed the sod surface in the ground and keep it healthy and green for the coming years.
Colin Macmillan is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Riverwood Landscape, a leading landscaping company based in Canada. He has been at the helm of the company since leaving high school, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and business acumen.
Colin’s expertise lies in various aspects of landscaping, including lawn care, interlocking, sod installation, and commercial maintenance. His hands-on approach and dedication to the craft have been instrumental in building Riverwood Landscape into a reputable brand.
One of his most notable achievements is the creation of a successful landscape franchise that services multiple locations. This accomplishment underscores his strategic thinking and ability to scale operations effectively.
Colin has also had the privilege of working with Guelph Hospital for landscaping and maintenance, a testament to the trust and reliability that his company has earned over the years.
His professional mission is to offer the best services and experiences for customers, a goal that he tirelessly pursues. Colin’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction continues to drive the growth and success of Riverwood Landscape.
