How to Water New Sod

So your new sod has just been laid and you’re ready to see it grow in its new location.  It’s looking “ok” now .. but boy, you can’t wait to see it grow.

When the farmers cut the sod, some of the roots are cut in the process.  When the sod is rolled up, the roots begin to dry out.  Watering your new sod lawn is the most important next-step after installation that there is.

After the Install – setting up the sprinklers

As soon as the install is complete and all of the tools, machinery and workers are gone, lay your sprinklers (if you are not fortunate enough to have a sprinkler system to do the work for you) in such a way that the water spray overlaps.  Turn the sprinklers on and let them run long enough for the water to 1) soak the sod 2) get to the soil.  You may have to stop the sprinklers and check under a few pieces of sod to see how well the water got down to the roots and soil.  Keep track of the length of time it took to get to this point so that you know how much time each of your watering should be.  There is no need to over water.  You want enough water so that the top inch or so of soil is wet.

During the Next Two Weeks – keeping the lawn moist

Continue to water your sod lawn regularly.  Many homeowners water their sod lawns too often, but not deeply enough.  You want the water to get down to the roots AND down to the soil underneath. Never let the sod dry out completely.  If your sod turns brown, you have a problem.

After two weeks, check the strength of the root by lifting a side of a piece of sod.  If there is resistance, the roots have moved into the soil.  Does it look like the grass has grown?  Growth should be visible by now.  If all is well, you should be able to move your watering regiment to just watering the sod lawn as though you would any lawn.