New Sod Watering Tips

Water Deeply at First

• When first laid down, water the new sod deeply enough to keep the soil under the sod and each sod piece moist. About 1 inch of water should be be applied every two days. To measure accurately, place several coffee cans within reach of the sprinkler pattern.

Water Often

• Water new sod daily for the first few weeks. If the sod becomes wet and soggy, back off the watering schedule to every other day. Close monitoring is necessary for the health and growth of the sod during this time period. Check the sod daily to determine if it is too wet or too dry and adjust the watering schedule accordingly.

Cut Back on Watering

• After the sod has grown and rooted itself to the soil below in about one to three weeks, once a week water enough to soak the root zone, which is about 4 to 5 inches in depth. Cutting back on watering just before the first mowing, usually within 14 days, is also recommended.

Hot Weather Watering

• If the weather is hot and dry, water the new sod twice daily in the morning before the temperature rises. Once the sod is established there is no further need to continue to water the new sod daily; weekly waterings should be adequate.

Fertilize the Sod

• After about four to six weeks, water in fertilizer. Use a complete fertilizer with a ratio of 2-1-1 or 4-1-3 (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium). Continue to fertilize the lawn monthly after the sod is established.