To properly water new sod, follow this general schedule: Weeks 1 to 2:
- Water 2 to 4 times per day, keeping the sod and top inch of soil consistently moist but not soggy.
- Each watering session should last about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your sprinkler type and weather conditions.
- The goal is to keep the sod moist to encourage root establishment without causing waterlogging or fungal issues
Weeks 2 to 3:
- Reduce watering frequency to once or twice a day but increase the duration to about 20 to 40 minutes per session.
- This encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, making the sod more stable.
- You can skip watering if the soil remains moist; check by lifting a sod edge and feeling the soil
Weeks 3 to 4:
- Water every other day or 2 to 3 times per week, with longer watering sessions (30 to 40 minutes) to promote deep root growth.
- The sod should be firmly rooted and resistant to being pulled up easily
After 4 weeks (established sod):
- Water 1 to 2 times per week, delivering about 1 to 1.5 inches of water weekly including rainfall.
- Adjust watering frequency based on season and weather-more frequent in hot, dry conditions and less in cooler or rainy periods
Additional tips:
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risks.
- Avoid watering late at night to prevent prolonged leaf wetness.
- Monitor soil moisture regularly to avoid overwatering or underwatering
This schedule helps new sod develop strong, deep roots and transition into a healthy, established lawn.
