Newly planted grass needs consistent moisture to establish a healthy root system and thrive. However, there may be times when irrigation is disrupted or grass doesn’t receive adequate water. Understanding how long new grass can go without water will help you make informed decisions about watering requirements.
How Long Can New Grass Survive Without Water?
The answer depends on several factors:
Type of Grass
Certain grass varieties are more drought tolerant than others. Warm season grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, St. Augustine, and buffalo grass withstand drought better than cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and ryegrass. During the first two weeks after seeding or sodding, cool season grasses require irrigation every day whereas warm season grasses need watering every 2-3 days.
Weather and Season
New grass planted in hot, dry weather will require more frequent watering than grass started in cool, moist conditions. Spring and fall, with their mild temperatures and natural rainfall, are ideal times to plant grass seed or sod. New grass grown in summer needs irrigation daily when high temperatures cause rapid moisture loss from soil.
Soil Type
Soil composition affects how well it retains moisture. Sandy soils drain quickly while heavy clay soils hold more water. Still, all soils become dry within a week without irrigation. Ideally the top 6 inches of soil should remain moist while establishing new lawns.
Root Depth
Until the roots of newly seeded or sodded grass grow deeper than 2-3 inches, the plants are highly vulnerable to drying out. Once the roots reach 4-6 inches deep, the grass has greater access to moisture stored in the soil. But regular watering will still be required during the first growing season for root development.
Establishment Phase
The first two months after planting are most critical for new grass survival. During this establishment phase, the grass plants are growing roots and becoming accustomed to their new environment. Adequate moisture is imperative at this stage.
New Grass Needs Frequent Watering
When first planted, new grass requires very frequent irrigation. Here are some general guidelines:
– Seeded grass: Water at least once daily and up to 3 times per day in hot weather. Keep the top 1 inch of soil moist.
– Sod: Water for 10-15 minutes immediately after laying sod. Afterward, water daily or twice daily to keep sod and soil beneath moist.
– The first week is the most crucial period to maintain adequate moisture. Water new grass lightly but frequently.
– Check soil moisture at 2-3 inch depth. Water when top 1-2 inches become dry.
– Avoid runoff and puddling. Apply water in several short sessions to allow absorption.
– Watch for signs of drought stress like wilting, bluish-gray color, and footprints remaining in the grass.
How Long Can New Grass Go Without Water?
Under optimum conditions, new grass should never go more than 1-2 days without irrigation during the first two months. But if watering is temporarily interrupted, here are some estimates for new lawn survival:
Seeded Grass
– Up to 4 days during cool, overcast weather (under 65°F)
– 2 to 3 days in warm, sunny weather (65-85°F)
– 1 day in hot, dry conditions (over 85°F)
Sod Grass
– 5-7 days in cool, damp weather (under 65°F)
– 3-5 days when temperatures are moderate (65-85°F)
– 1-2 days during hot, dry spells (over 85°F)
These timeframes assume grass has been initially watered and established. Heat, wind, and lack of rainfall will shorten the survival period. Examine soil moisture content rather than relying solely on these estimates.
Signs of Drought Stress in New Lawns
It’s important to recognize when newly planted grass is suffering from insufficient water. Symptoms include:
– Change to a bluish gray color from typical green
– Leaf blades folding inward and becoming rigid
– Footprints remaining visible after walking across the grass
– Entire lawn taking on dull, drab appearance
– Weeds becoming more prevalent in dry areas
– Leaves wilting even when temperatures are low
– Grass blades easily pulled out of ground
– Flat areas or ridges developing in turf
Take action at the first signs of moisture deficiency to avoid long-term damage. Prioritize watering the vulnerable new grass when resources are limited.
Results of Too Little Water on New Lawns
Insufficient irrigation during the grow-in phase can lead to serious problems:
– Decline in density as grass plants die out
– Invasion of weeds, crabgrass, and other undesirables
– Reduced drought tolerance due to underdeveloped roots
– Loss of ability to self repair with lateral growth
– Permanent bare, thin patches
– Eventual reseeding or resodding required
All of these issues result from grass drying out excessively while trying to establish. Adequate water encourages deeper roots and healthy turfgrass.
Tips for Watering New Grass
For best results, follow these watering practices:
1. Check soil moisture daily.
Probe down 2 inches to determine if irrigation is needed. The top layer should always remain slightly damp.
2. Water early in the morning.
Avoid midday watering which causes evaporation and fungus. Morning offers the least wind and lower temperatures.
3. Utilize sprinklers or soaker hoses.
For sod, use sprinklers that mimic gentle rain. For seed, opt for soaker hoses to keep seeds from displacing.
4. Drain sprinklers after each use.
Prevent standing water which leads to disease and puddling. Program watering times for maximum absorption.
5. Gradually reduce frequency.
Once grass matures around 6 weeks, begin to water deeper but less often to encourage deeper roots.
6. Avoid runoff and spot flooding.
Apply water in several short sessions allowing absorption between rounds. Adjust sprinklers to prevent puddling.
| Newly Seeded Lawns | Newly Laid Sod |
|---|---|
| Water 1-3 times per day for 2-3 weeks | Water 1-2 times per day for first week |
| Keep top inch of soil constantly moist | Keep sod strips and underneath soil moist |
| Gradually reduce to daily watering by week 3-4 | Transition to daily watering after first week |
| Water early morning and late afternoon | Prioritize watering during hot conditions |
Watering Restrictions
Local watering bans can make establishing a new lawn challenging. Here are some strategies if restrictions are in place:
– Request a variance or waiver for new grass irrigation. Provide documentation like seed bags or sod receipts.
– Adjust automatic timer schedules to the mandated watering days/times. Wake early to shift sprinklers on your allotted days.
– Water by hand with hoses, buckets, or watering cans on restricted days as needed.
– Install rain barrels to collect runoff from roofs to use for watering.
– Use moisture retention products like wood chips or mulch to retain humidity around grass roots.
– Focus care on vulnerable areas like slopes and high traffic zones.
– Overseed thin areas to fill bare spots. Consider alternative ground covers.
– Maintain mowing height over 2 inches to provide insulation to soil and roots.
– Aerate compacted areas so water penetrates soil better when available.
Conclusion
Caring for new grass is often demanding due to frequent irrigation required. But paying close attention and providing ample water during the first 2 months will establish a thriving lawn better able to withstand future dry periods. Adjust watering schedules based on weather, soil, and grass variety but do not exceed 1-2 days without watering new grass during the critical grow-in phase. Recognize signs of drought stress and respond quickly to prevent long term damage. With careful establishment, your new lawn will develop the deep roots needed to outlast temporary water shortages and remain resilient.
