When to Water New Sod?

Checking Soil Moisture

• Water collecting on top the soil beneath the sod can cause the grass roots to rot if the sod isn't in full contact with the soil beneath. Checking the moisture under the sod before you water is done by inserting your finger in the soil beneath the sod. Sod needs water when the top inch of soil and the sod layer begins to feels dry. The simplest areas to check the soil beneath the sod is at the joints between two sod strips.

Watering Frequency

• Freshly-laid sod requires one to two irrigations a day for the first three days after installation, though the frequency depends on how quickly the sod strip and the soil beneath dries out. After three days, reduce watering to every two to three days. Always feel the soil before watering instead of following a strict watering schedule, since the temperature and dryness of the environment affects how quickly the sod and soil dries.

Moisture Needs

• New sod needs approximately 1 inch of water every three days until it roots fully. Measure the amount of water applied in an irrigation by placing a can on the sod near the sprinkler. The length of time necessary to provide 1 inch is indicated when the can collects an inch of water. Since weather and soil conditions impact how quickly the moisture evaporates from the sod and soil, check the soil after watering to ensure that an inch of moisture sufficiently moistened the soil beneath the sod.

Irrigating Rooted Sod

• It takes between one and three weeks for sod to root fully into the existing soil bed. The sod is rooted once you can no longer lift the corner of a sod strip. Once rooted, the sod requires about an inch of water a week. Water the rooted sod until the top 4 inches of soil feels moist when you stick your finger into it. Do not attempt to lift the sod after it has rooted to check the moisture, instead check the moisture by inserting your finger into the soil through the sod.