New Sod Watering Schedule
Essential watering tips from the experts at Ryno Lawn Care
When you install new sod, you'll need to get on a watering schedule immediately. Years of hands-on experience meet cutting-edge lawn care techniques to ensure your new turf thrives from day one.
Water is essential to all life - too little water and grass dies, too much and it drowns. Water makes up 70% to 80% of the weight of lawn grasses and the clippings alone are nearly 90% water.
Most people are concerned about not watering their lawns enough, but overwatering is actually a bigger problem. Following these new sod watering tips will help prevent lawns damaged or destroyed by over-watering.
New Sod Watering Schedule
Begin watering new sod within 30 minutes after it is laid on the soil
Keep the soil moist. Apply 1 inch of water so soil 3-4 inches below surface is wet.
Transition to watering every other day as roots begin to establish.
1 inch per week, divided into 2-3 watering sessions.
New Sod Watering Tips
Check Soil Moisture
Pull back a corner of the turf and push a screwdriver into the soil. It should push in easily and have moisture along the first 3-4 inches.
Cover All Areas
Make sure water reaches all areas. Corners and edges are easily missed by sprinklers and are vulnerable to drying out.
Handle Slopes & Runoff
If runoff occurs, turn off water, wait 30-60 minutes, then restart. Repeat until proper soil moisture is achieved.
Water in the Morning
Water as early as possible to take advantage of the grass's natural growing cycle and reduce evaporation.
Hot Weather Care
If temps approach 98°F or high winds persist, lightly sprinkle (syringe) the turf to reduce surface temperature. This doesn't replace deep watering.
Deep vs. Frequent
Infrequent and deep watering is preferred to frequent and shallow watering - roots only grow as deep as their water supply.
Tuna Can Test for Lawn Irrigation
A simple way to verify watering uniformity using household items.
- 1 Arrange 4-6 flat-bottomed, straight-sided cans (tuna, cat food, etc.) at random distances from your sprinkler.
- 2 Run the sprinkler for a set time or until at least one can has 0.5 inches of water.
- 3 Measure each can. A difference of 10% or more between any two cans indicates uneven coverage that needs adjustment.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
Grey-Blue Color
Grass in need of water will have a grey-blue cast rather than a healthy blue-green or green color.
Footprint Test
Footprints will remain visible for 30+ minutes on a lawn needing water. Well-watered grass springs back within minutes.
Screwdriver Test
If you can push a screwdriver into the soil easily, it's still moist. If it's difficult, it's time to water.
Curling Blades
Grass blades that fold or curl lengthwise are conserving water and need irrigation soon.
Need Professional Sod Installation?
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