Please take the time to do this, as it is very important.
DAY OF INSTALLATION:
After sod is installed, water thoroughly until sod is saturated and ground under sod is wet several inches deep. If temperature is over 75 degrees at time of installation, DAMPEN ground to cool soil immediately prior to laying sod and lightly water sod as you install.
1ST WEEK: ½” in morning each day.
Note: If temperature is over 80 degrees, water an additional ¼” at 10:00am and 2:00 PM to prevent grass blades from wilting.
2nd WEEK: ½” in morning every other day.
Note: If temperature is over 80 degrees, water an additional ¼” at 10:00am and 2:00 PM to prevent grass blades from wilting.
3rd WEEK: ½” in morning every third day.
4th WEEK: Water only as needed to prevent wilting.
CAUTION: Over-watering can be detrimental: resulting in poor root development, rotting sod in shady areas, and susceptibility to diseases. It is important to finish watering early enough to allow the grass to dry before nightfall.
ADDITIONAL WATERING REQUIREMENTS:
Learn to recognize when your lawn is asking for additional water. On hot days when the temperature is over 80%, look closely at individual blades of grass at the edges of the lawn area (drive and walkways, planting beds, etc.). Grass blades may show signs of shrinkage and appear to be a sliver-blue color. When these conditions are apparent an additional ¼” to ½” of water should be applied over the entire lawn area. Areas in shade require less water; allowing shady areas to remain wet may cause thinning and/or diseases.
LONG TERM WATERING REQUIREMENTS:
Water is only needed to maintain a green color and good growth.
SPRING AND FALL: Little or no watering.
SUMMER (June 1st - mid September): As temperatures rise and rainfall decreases, watering will increase accordingly. The amount and quality of loam under the sod has a direct effect on the amounts of water your lawn will need.
