These essential watering tips will get your new sod off to a strong start.
Turf specialists agree that poor watering is the most common cause of newly installed sod failing to take.
However, delivering the right amount of water is straightforward.
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Water New Sod Right Away
Begin watering sod immediately after it’s installed.
Plus, sod is often harvested when the soil is a little dry to reduce the weight of it.
Use hose-end sprinklers or an inground irrigation system to water your new sod.
Regardless of the watering method, check the spray pattern to ensure water is reaching all the sod.
Err on the side of overlapping the spray pattern rather than leaving a portion of the sod without water.
Low evaporation ratesmake morning the preferred time for watering, versus mid-day or evening.
Excessively wet, soggy conditions will prevent the sod from rooting into the native soil.
dry, or windy days, water the sod again in the late afternoon or evening.
Don’t let sod dry out because it won’t tolerate drought stress and will die back quickly.
Water the sod deeply, about 1 inch of water each week.
you could stop watering healthy, well-established sod about eight weeks after it is installed.
Sod that separates from the native soil with ease during a tug test hasnt put down roots.
Continue to water it daily until the sod is firmly rooted in the native soil.
Diligently continue watering until you feel resistance when gently lifting the sod.
In addition to regular, deep watering, use these best practices for successfully installing sod.
Prompt Installation
Sod should be installed less than 24 hours after it was harvested.
Fresh-cut sod deteriorates rapidly.
Get it in place and water as fast as possible.
Time It Right
Start a new lawn from sod when temperatures are moderate, and there’s regular rainfall.
Spring and fall offer the best sod establishment conditions in most regions.
Avoid laying sod in summer; drought and heat stress are too intense for tender sod.
Start with Moist Soil
Lay sod on top of slightly moist, but not wet, soil.
Sod installed over dry soil will dry out more quickly than sod placed on moist soil.
Stagger Seams
When putting sod in place, offset the seams.
Lay it in a brick-like fashion so the ends of the rectangular pieces are staggered across the lawn.
Use sod stakes to hold each piece of turf in place.
Use a Roller
Ensure sod roots have good contact with the soil.
Fill Small Gaps
If any small gaps exist between strips of sod, fill them withtopsoil.
When sod strips are not laid together tightly, the edges of the turf are exposed to drying wind.
Packing the gaps with topsoil helps prevent the sod from drying out.
Do Not Use Herbicides
Do not use herbicides before laying sod or for about 2 months after laying it.
Herbicides can prevent the sod from developing new roots in the native soil.
Tread Lightly
Avoid walking on newly established sod.
Reroute traffic around the new turf until it is well-rootedat least four weeks after it was laid.
Delay Mowing
Wait at least two weeks, preferably longer, until the side is established before mowing.
