Watering newly laid grass is crucial for helping the grass establish a healthy root system. Proper watering encourages deep root growth and leads to a lush, green lawn. There are a few key things to keep in mind when watering newly laid sod or grass seed.
When to start watering
You’ll need to start watering newly laid sod right away. As soon as the sod has been laid, water it thoroughly to lightly moisten the top 1-2 inches of soil. This helps the sod start to root. Continue watering daily, keeping the top layer moist.
For newly seeded lawns, wait until after the grass has germinated to begin regular watering. This usually takes 7-14 days. Lightly water the seeds daily until they sprout. Once the grass is a few inches tall, start daily watering to moisten the top 1-2 inches of soil.
Watering frequency and duration
New grass needs frequent, light watering. Water for short periods, several times a day. Avoid heavy watering, which can lead to run off and wasted water. Follow these guidelines:
- Sod: Water for 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times per day
- New seed: Water for 5 minutes, 2-3 times per day
As the grass matures, you can gradually reduce the frequency. Mature lawns need about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, ideally split into 2-3 sessions.
Watering in the early morning
It’s best to do your watering early in the morning, before 10am if possible. Avoid watering in the evening. Morning watering allows the grass blades to dry during the day, which reduces the risk of fungus and disease.
Observe the weather
Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall. After a decent rainfall, you can likely skip a day of watering. Observe the soil – if the top few inches are still moist, hold off.
Pay attention to heat waves and dry spells too. Hot, dry, or windy periods may require more frequent watering.
Type of sprinkler to use
Overhead sprinklers are ideal when watering newly laid grass. They allow for uniform coverage. Oscillating models that shoot streams of water work well. Just be sure not to blast the sod too aggressively.
Avoid sprinklers that apply water too quickly, such as pulsating models. The heavy streams can displace seeds and soil.
Observe results and adjust
Observe how well your grass is responding to your watering schedule. If you notice dry spots or excess water pooling, adjust the frequency and duration accordingly. Probing the soil can help you determine if the depth of watering is adequate.
Watch for signs of under or over watering
Under watered sod may turn brown or yellow and start to die back around the edges. Seeds may fail to germinate or seedlings may wither.
Over watered grass develops shallow roots and is more prone to diseases. Excess moisture can also lead to fungi like brown patch.
Adjust your watering schedule to fix any issues with under or over watering. Pay close attention in the first few weeks as the new grass gets established.
When to water
The best time to water new grass is early in the morning, before 10am. Avoid watering in the evening or at night as this can lead to fungal disease issues.
How much to water
New sod needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week, ideally applied in several short 5-10 minute watering sessions. Soak the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches.
For newly seeded lawns, water more frequently but for less time per session – about 5 minutes, 2-3 times per day. Just moisten the top inch or two of soil to keep seedbed consistently damp.
Type of sprinkler
Overhead sprinklers provide the most uniform coverage when watering a new lawn. Use oscillating models that apply water in soft streams rather than harsh blasts.
Adjusting the watering schedule
Watch for signs of over or under watering and adjust your schedule accordingly. Water less after rains. Increase watering during hot, dry periods. Probe the soil to ensure adequate moisture depth.
Conclusion
Proper watering is crucial when caring for newly laid sod or seeded lawns. Frequent, light watering sessions ensure adequate moisture without oversaturating. Gradually reduce watering frequency as the grass matures. Always observe weather conditions and the grass’s response and adjust your schedule as needed. With attentive care and watering, your new lawn will establish a thriving root system and grow into a healthy, beautiful grass carpet.
| New Sod | Newly Seeded Lawn |
|---|---|
| Water 5-10 minutes, 3-4 times per day | Water 5 minutes, 2-3 times per day |
| Soak soil 1-2 inches deep | Moisten top 1-2 inches of soil |
| Water early morning before 10am | Water early morning before 10am |
Early Morning Watering
Watering new grass early in the morning offers several benefits:
- Allows grass blades to dry during the day
- Avoids excess evaporation loss
- Minimizes disease risk
The best time to water is before 10am. Avoid evening watering which leaves grass wet overnight, promoting fungus growth.
Observing Weather Conditions
Pay close attention to weather when caring for new lawns:
- After rains, reduce watering frequency
- During dry spells, water more often
- Adjust for windy and hot periods
Probe the soil to determine if moisture levels are adequate. Water as needed based on grass response and soil moisture.
Signs of Over Watering
Too much water can damage newly laid grass. Watch for these signs of over watering:
- Puddling or runoff
- Mushy, boggy soil
- Shallow roots
- Increased disease risk
- Fungi like brown patch
Reduce watering frequency and duration if over watering is observed. Allow soil to partially dry out between sessions.