Crucial Watering Guideline
Begin watering sod (at least 1”) within 30 minutes of laying it on the ground. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! Water daily (or more often depending on weather conditions) keeping turf blocks moist until it is firmly rooted (about 3 weeks). Make sure you are getting the soil under the sod wet, and maintain the moisture for 3 weeks as the roots of each sod piece will not grow down into dry soil.
Depending on the time of year and temperatures, you may have to water up to 3 times a day, it’s crucial that the sod blocks do not dry out in this establishment period (you have to remember, that’s where the roots are, and only in the sod block at this time, so that’s within half an inch of the sun and can dry out fast)! If you water at 6 a.m. and the temperature reaches over 90 degrees during the day, your new sod will not make it to 5 p.m. without drying out, so in addition to the 6 a.m. watering, you need another watering around 12 p.m. to ensure that it makes it to 5 p.m. without drying out. Drying out in the sun for just one afternoon causes damage to the sod that can take months to repair. Everyone asks us, “how long do we water?”, the answer is we don’t know because we don’t know what precipitation rate your watering device or sprinkler system is putting out, one person may have a system that puts out 1 inch of water in 15 minutes and the next door neighbor may have a system that puts out ⅛ of an inch in 15 minutes, so the times will vary, and can vary by a lot. The only way to make certain that you’re watering enough is to walk out on your lawn and pull back some pieces to see if the soil is wet in the sod block and under the sod, if not, water more until you figure out a time that adequately waters all the new sod, just remember in this establishment phase, don’t flirt with the “just enough” and “too little” line, you’re better off keeping it too wet than barely enough. If you are having trouble with these steps, just water until you hear it squish as you walk across it and keep it that way for 3 weeks. During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with soil, and ensures that the turf will remain smooth.
Summer/Spring Time Watering Schedule: typically above 80 degree days
1st Watering- 6 a.m.
2nd Watering- 12 p.m. —do not miss this watering
3rd Watering- 5 p.m., typically this 3rd watering when temps get over 90 degrees
After your new grass is established, you can begin less frequent but deeper waters. Grass roots will follow the moisture, so deeper watering helps the grass roots grow deeper which will make the grass healthier and more drought tolerant. Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.
No adjustments after 24 hours of Pickup or Delivery. Water Immediately after Installation and Keep Sod Wet for 3 weeks after installation.
No Guarantees or Warranty on Sod, No Returns.