How Wet Should You Keep New Sod?
During the early days of installation, you may be tempted to water sod to achieve installation goals faster. However, you may end up compromising your sod growth, time, and investment. The muddy ground may make it difficult for you to conduct further activities.
It’s advisable to keep the sod moist, but not soaked up in water. You can water it daily for 10-15 minutes to achieve the required moist environment for healthy sod.
How Often Should You Water Sod?
As discussed earlier, watering new sod daily for 15-20 minutes is enough for a healthy development. This time varies depending on how much water your sprinkler system emits. You can reduce the number if the temperature is not high. For a warmer environment, increase the number or volume of water to prevent the sod from drying up.
Best Time to Water Sod
The time you choose to water new sod also determines its healthy growth. You may need special arrangements to water the sod consistently, especially during the first few weeks.
Early mornings are the best suitable times to water newly laid sod. Early watering prevents rapid evaporation and gives ample time for the roots to absorb water from the soil.
How Long To Water New Sod?
A proper watering schedule keeps the grass nourished and hydrated, which enables fast and even growth throughout the lawn. Insufficient water leads to brown patches, and sooner or later, the sod will decay and die.
The First Week
During the first week after installation, the sod requires shallow, frequent watering. It means you have to water it several times a day up to 1 inch deep. This level of moisture helps the sod develop roots quickly. Make sure the sod is watered consistently during the first week.
This is the time you can expect the first mowing of sod. Use a power mower for this task as the riding mower is too heavy for the new sod, and its wheels may damage or penetrate the sod’s surface.
The Second Week
The second week is accompanied by a reduction in the watering schedule. You can now water the sod once a day, but keep the moisture level to 1-2 inches deep. This promotes a deeper root growth- which is necessary for the long-term health of sod.
The Third and Fourth Week
By this time, the sod must be rooted enough for less water sessions. During this time, water the sod once every other day with a depth of 3-4 inches. It encourages deeper root growth and makes the lawn drought-resistant.
You can continue regular mowing after three weeks. For better results, apply the ⅓ rule with a sharp blade mower.
Beyond the First Month
After the first month, the sod is established enough to make watering transitions. You now need to water it 1-2 times a week, depending upon soil type and climate conditions. However, remain cautious and adjust water practices if the sod is not growing or getting brown.
For professional analysis, you can consult Guerrero Landscapes to prevent sod installation mistakes before it’s too late.
The Proper Way To Water New Sod
Newly installed sod needs plenty of water during the first 14 days, so it’s important to act vigilant in your watering schedule. Always monitor signs of dryness or rotting. Also, avoid walking during this period. It reduces soil compaction and stress on young roots.
Buy a Rain Gauge
The general practice is to sprinkle water for 20 minutes per zone. However, if you don’t have an in-ground system, it may be difficult to analyze how much water you have laid.
With a rain gauge, you can monitor how much water is being laid to the sod each day. It also lets you know the amount of rainwater collected between waterings. Just remember to empty it before a new water session.
Use a Hose Timer
If you find it difficult to move the sprinkler daily for 20-30 minutes, a hose timer is the solution. They are available in multiple zones, so you can run multiple sprinklers at a time. With a few wi-fi options, you can even control hose valves at any time.
Sod Installation Watering Tips
- Make sure all parts of the lawn get ample water. Many irrigation and sprinkler systems miss edges or corners which makes the sod prone to drying out.
- Don’t water by hand. The water will not be distributed uniformly.
- In-ground systems need professional installation, proper maintenance, and routine adjustments.
- Properly align sprinkler heads to the lawn, so they may not be watering sidewalks or house-siding.
- Water at 6-8 am. At this time, wind speed is low and less water is lost due to evaporation.
- Avoid watering in the evening. Water remains on the grass and can cause diseases and fungus.
- Deep watering is preferred. This helps roots grow deeper into the soil.
Additional Tips
If Sod is Underwatered
If the sod forms large gaps between rows or pulls up at the corners, it’s an indication that the sod is underwater. The sod is shrinking and will die soon. If such signs are visible in a certain area, your sprinkler system might be faulty. Grayish spots are another sign that the sod is not getting ample water.
If Sod is Overwatered
“New lawns need plenty of water” doesn’t mean you have to overwater it. Too much water results in sod decay and stunted root development. If you see puddles on the lawn surface, you are probably overwatering it. Give it some time to dry out.
If the ground squeezes up or feels spongy, sadly, you have gone too far. Readjust the watering system and give your lawn some time to dry up. Look if there is any rotten grass or dark brown discoloration. These are the early signs of overwatering.
Rain gauge, irrigation system.In both cases, here’s the good news: Turfgrass is quite tough. You can recover from under/over-watering situations simply by adjusting your watering program.
Call Us To Schedule Your Sod Installation Today!
Although sod is a shortcut to lush, green gardens, the duration can increase significantly with the wrong approach. Guerrero Landscapes offer reliable sod installation services for instant results without damaging your sod.
We offer some unique guidelines on how you can water newly installed sod. Our experts are just a call away and are available in Plano, Frisco, Garland, Texas, and Dallas. Get in touch today for your next sod installation.
