New SOD watering

new2sod – posted 18 September 2006 17:39

Hi, just got new SOD installed in my lawn by an independant contractor on 09/17/06. I was told to water the lawn twice a week 20min/zone. I am getting conflicting information on the Internet and while talking with friends and colleagues. Do I need to water it more often or is it enough to water it as mentioned above? Please HELP!!!

hankhill – posted 19 September 2006 23:11

I always heard that it needs to get watered every day (at least–I’ve watered new sodtwice a day!) until it becomes established. Stick your finger through the sod to thebase soil at 7pm (after the day’s heat). If you don’t feel moist soil, you need to water more.

[This message has been edited by hankhill (edited 19 September 2006).]

RickV – posted 20 September 2006 19:06

I agree with Hank. I always water new sod daily about 30 mins. per zone I do it in the late afternoon. I have been told that until it roots good you need to water it after the sun has dried it all day. Do this for 3 weeks then cut it back to 3 times a week. after a few more weeks go to the 1″ per week plan. I have had great sucess following these guidelines. One thing I have learned this summer is try to avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in the summer. I hurt my new sod that I had put in my backyard by trying to fertilize it before it needed it. I over stressed it and ended up with grey leaf spot (it is just now started to come back strong).I am going back to a Mid October/Mid March feeding with a Winterizer in Mid December. I live in North Central Florida so conditions may be different for you.

[This message has been edited by RickV (edited 20 September 2006).]