Lawn Watering Basics

Note: Watering requirements will vary based on weather conditions and soil types. It is important for you to monitor your newly sodded or seeded areas closely; both over-watering and under-watering can result in plant death.

Pay close attention to your lawn for the first two years after seeding/sodding, as it will have a tendency to dry out more quickly than a fully established lawn. 

Sodded Lawns:
First three weeks:  Keep the sod layer and the top inch of the soil moist.  Water ounce a day for three to four hours.  NEVER LET THE SOD DRY OUT!  Make sure to adjust the irrigation heads so they are not watering your landscape plants.  A good way to check for adequate watering is to lift a corner of the sod and it should look muddy underneath.  During windy, hot, and dry days, the sod may require additional watering.

Established:  Once the sod is established, lawns will continue to require 1” of water per week for healthy growing conditions.  This is usually supplied by natural rain patterns in Spring and Fall.  If watering with an irrigation system, it should be set to run three times per week, providing a total of 1” of water per zone, per week.  Placing rain gages in your lawn while the irrigation runs is the easiest way to measure the output of your irrigation system. Consult with you irrigation specialist/maintenance provider to provide you the proper length of time to run each zone.

Hydro Seed and Seeded Lawns:
First three weeks:  Keep the first inch of the soil moist.  Water a minimum of twice a day for 15-20 minutes.  During windy, hot, and dry days, seeded areas may require additional watering.

Established:  Once the seed is established, lawns will continue to require 1” of water per week for healthy growing conditions.  This is usually supplied by natural rain patterns in Spring and Fall.  If watering with an irrigation system, it should be set to run three times per week, providing a total of 1” of water per zone, per week.  Placing rain gages in your lawn while the irrigation runs is the easiest way to measure the output of your irrigation system. Consult with you irrigation specialist/maintenance provider to provide you the proper length of time to run each zone.