Watering Guide for New Lawns

Watering your new lawn regularly and for enough time is essential to having a lush and healthy lawn. Proper watering helps the sod and the soil connect and the roots grow deep. Plenty of water also helps your new lawn access all the nutrients in your soil. When watering directly after sod has been installed, you want to be sure to get a good soaking down to about 6 inches under the sod. The next 14 days after the sod is installed are the most important for the water management of your lawn. Follow the lawn watering guide below for best results.

First 14 Days:
First day water lawn for approximately 3 hours
60°-70° 8 am watering 20-25 minutes
70°-90° 6 am, 12 pm, 3 pm watering 20-25 minutes
90° and up 4 waterings a day for 20-25 minutes between 6 am and 4 pm
Shaded area normally requires watering once per day. Even in hot weather, shaded area will require less water to establish.
Windy conditions can dry out new lawn as quickly as full sunlight and heat. Be sure to maintain moisture on newly-laid sod to prevent seams from drying out.

After 14 Days:
Lawn requires 1-2 inches of water per week. One watering a day, 20-25 minutes.
Shaded areas water as needed to maintain moisture., but avoid over watering. Approximately 2-3 times per week.
Optimum watering time: 4-5 am

Water New Sod and Existing Lawns in the Morning

Water in the early mornings between 5am and 8am
Watering in the evenings may spur unwanted fungus growth
Early morning watering avoids temperature shock for your lawn. Turf that is already cool from the morning won’t get the same temperature shock from cold water as a lawn that has sat in the baking sun all afternoon.

The Lawn Must Maintain Moisture

Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. This water guide is based on a direct and measured underground irrigation system. Water duration and frequency may be slightly different based on types of irrigation used.