How To Water New Sod
Supplying your new sod with water immediately after installation is critical.
Download the PDF guide or see the key steps below to help you prepare:
Water the sod as soon as possible after it is installed. A quick way to check if your sod has been watered enough is to lift up the corner of the sod. If the sod and soil underneath is wet, it’s a good indication it has received enough water. Then water thoroughly on a daily basis for a total of 14 days. A great tool to use for checking your moisture level, is a moisture meter.
On day 7, your lawn can be mowed using a push mower running perpendicular to the direction in which the sod was laid. Mowing your lawn will stimulate the roots.
On week 2, reduce watering to every other day and mow on day 14.
On week 3 reduce to watering every third day and mow on day 21.
On week 4 apply Willowlee’s Grow In Fertilizer.
Download our Weekly Watering Reference Guide here.
NOTE: Consider your local forecast and ensure that you keep watering during periods of drought.
Reducing the frequency of watering helps to encourage deep, healthy rooting. Frequent, light watering results in shallow roots.
It is best to water your sod slowly and evenly. This will help the water penetrate both the sod and the soil underneath, without causing run-off. It is possible to over water, which restricts air from reaching the roots where it is needed.
QUICK TIPS:
- Water your sod as soon as it has been laid.
- Slow and even watering is key.
- Areas around buildings will dry out faster due to the heat emission from the structure. Areas along asphalt, concrete sidewalks, and buildings can often dry out earlier than open lawn areas. Make sure to give those areas extra water.
- Lifting the edge of your sod up to check the soil underneath is a good way to gauge if it is getting enough water.
- Mow your sod perpendicular to the direction it was laid.
- Ideal blade height for the mower is approximately 2.5-3″.
- Always make sure your blades are sharp.
- Try to stay off the sod for approximately 2 weeks.