If you’ve just had new sod installed, congratulations! It’s important to water it regularly in order for it to take root and grow. In this blog post, we will provide you with a new sod watering schedule to make sure your lawn stays healthy. We’ll also discuss other ways to care for your new sod, like mowing, fertilizing, and weeding, so keep reading!
New Sod Watering Schedule:
Why Is It Important to Water Your New Established Lawn?
The first few weeks after new sod installation is critical for the survival of your lawn. It is important to water new sod frequently during this time so that it can establish a deep, healthy root system. Once your new lawn has taken root, it will be better able to withstand drought conditions and will require less watering overall.
How Often Should I Water My New Sod?
For the first week after new sod installation, water your lawn 3 times a day for shorter periods of time. In the second week, you can reduce watering to twice a day. Then, in the third week, you can reduce it again to once a day. Depending on the weather conditions, you may need to adjust this schedule accordingly. For example, if it is particularly hot and dry, you may need to water more frequently.
Regular Watering Schedule:
Once your new sod has taken root, water it between 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes to an hour each time. Again, this schedule may need to be adjusted depending on the weather conditions. If it rains frequently, you will not need to water as much.
Additional Tips:
- After the sod took roots, make sure to water your lawn in the morning or evening when it is cooler outside to minimize evaporation.
- Always check the weather forecast before watering so that you can adjust your schedule accordingly.
- Use a sprinkler system with an automatic timer to make sure your new sod is getting the right amount of water.
What Are Some Other Ways to Care for My New Sod?
Mowing:
In addition to watering, there are a few other things you can do to care for your new sod and help it thrive. Mowing: You should wait until your new sod has taken root before you mow it for the first time. That means that you should not mow your new sod until the second or third week from the installation date. When it is time to mow your lawn, set it on the highest settings (at least 5 inches high) and collect the clippings when mowing the lawn so that you do not damage the new sod. In the following weeks, lower the cutting settings gradually (never cut too short). Regular lawn mowing maintenance should be done every week to every other week. Make sure not to cut the lawn when it is wet.
Fertilizing:
You should wait until your new sod has taken root before fertilizing it for the first time. That means that you should not fertilize your new sod until about a month from the installation date. Once it is time to fertilize, use a slow-release fertilizer so that you do not damage the new sod. It is recommended to fertilize your lawn up to 4 times a year. Also, right before fertilizing, you can apply 1/8″-1/4″ of top dressing soil and some grass seeds where needed.
Weeding:
You should avoid foot traffic on your new sod during the first few weeks to allow it time to take root. Once it has taken root, you can start weeding your lawn regularly. Hand-pulling is usually the best method for removing weeds from new sod. Be sure to get the entire weed, roots and all, so that it does not grow back. It is a great idea to pull the weeds before mowing so you can avoid spreading them around. You may also want to consider using a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent new weeds from germinating in the first place. Apply the herbicide before new weed seeds have a chance to sprout.
Watering, Mowing, fertilizing, and weeding are all important parts of taking care of your new sod. By following these tips, you can help your new sod thrive and have a beautiful, healthy lawn for years to come. We hope this new sod watering schedule and guide to caring for new sod is helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help. Thanks for reading!
