Proper watering is key to keeping a lawn healthy and beautiful. It's best to water infrequently and deeply rather than often and lightly.

WEEKS 1-2:

During the first two weeks of your new sods installation is when your root structure will begin to attach to your soil, so proper hydration is important. A watering schedule of once or twice per day for 15-25 minutes each should be followed. Under most circumstances early morning watering schedules work the best. The soil beneath your sod should be moist to 1". Run off means your sod is too moist and you may need to either adjust your watering duration or frequency. Do not walk on sod during this establishment period.

NORMAL CARE:

By the third week your new sod should begin to establish its root structure. To test the rooting, carefully pull back a corner of your new sod. If you are unable to pull the sod back your sod has taken root and can begin being watered on a normal schedule. If you are able to easily pull back your sod you may still need to continue on your initial watering program for a few more days.

A good normal watering schedule for your new sod would be every two to three days (more frequently if the weather is hot and humid) for 20-30 minutes. Early morning watering schedules work the best. Adjust the watering schedule depending on weather, seasons and rainfall. Grasses generally require more water during their active growing season than when they're dormant, though all grasses need an average of 1-2 inches of water per week in summer; cool season grasses can take more than this in winter.

TIPS:

• Your lawn will tell you when it needs water - two signs are when the grass changes from bright green to dull gray-green and when footprints remain when you walk across the lawn.
• To check how deep water is penetrating, probe the soil with a stiff wire or screwdriver. It will move easily through moist soil and be harder to push when it reaches dry soil.
• Maintain sprinkler systems so they operate efficiently. Watch them run, and make adjustments and fix clogs or leaks as necessary.

WARNINGS:

• Frequent, shallow watering results in shallow roots and a weak lawn.
• Applying too much water is wasteful and can cause lawn diseases and promote weed growth.