When you put down a fresh sod lawn, water is everything. Too much or too little, and your grass may not root properly. It might look green on top, but without deep roots, it won’t last. The first few weeks are the most important for sod care, and getting it right means your new lawn settles in faster, grows stronger, and stays lush long-term.
The First Two Weeks
The most critical time for watering a new sod installation is the first 14 days. During this first couple weeks, your main goal is to consistently keep the soil moist under the sod with regular watering.
New sod doesn’t have a root system yet. Until there's root development, it can dry out fast. As soon as you lay the sod, give it plenty of water right away. You want it to soak through the sod and about 4-6 inches deep into the soil. This helps the root growth start downward.
For the first week, water your sod two to four times a day, depending on the weather. Extreme heat , dry weather, or windy days may require more. Each watering session doesn’t need to flood the entire lawn; just enough to keep it damp without puddles.
In the 2nd week, cut back watering times slightly, usually once in the late morning and once in the late afternoon. If you feel healthy root growth (you can gently tug and feel resistance), you’re on the right track.
Week Three and Beyond
After two weeks, the sod starts to get deeper root growth. This is when you begin to change your watering frequency for the new sod. Deeper, less frequent watering encourages strong roots.
In week three, give it a proper watering once a day or every other day, depending on how dry the soil conditions feel. You’re aiming for 6 inches of soil moisture below the ground surface. To check, stick a screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, it’s moist enough.
By the end of week four, you should be watering two to three times per week. Your lawn should now be acting more like established grass. From this point, you can start adjusting to your normal lawn watering schedule based on the weather and season.
How Long to Water Each Time
The duration of each watering session depends on your sprinkler system, soil type, and the weather. Simple right? J/K.
A general starting point is 15-20 minutes per section with a sprinkler, but what really matters is how deep the water goes. As for time of day, morning waterings are the best. It gives the lawn time to dry during the day, which helps prevent disease and fungus growth.
You want the water to soak in without causing runoff. Sandy soils drain faster and may need shorter, more frequent sessions. Dense clay holds water longer but can cause pooling if you go too long.
Here’s a quick new sod watering schedule:
- First 7 days: consistent watering 2-4 times per day, 5-10 minutes per session
- Days 8-14: 1-2 times per day, 10-15 minutes per session
- Week 3: Every other day, 15-20 minutes per session
- Week 4 and beyond: 2-3 times per week, 20+ minutes depending on weather and soil
FAQ
Can you overwater new sod?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think. Overwatering can keep the sod roots from growing deep and may lead to disease. If the sod feels soggy or you see standing water, cut back. The grass needs adequate moisture, but you don't want to turn it into a swamp.
What happens if you don’t water new grass sod enough?
Dry sod won’t have strong root growth, and parts of your lawn may die off. Look for signs of dehydration. You might notice gaps form between rolls, brown patches, yellow spots on grass blades, or dry patches. Once it dries out too much, it’s hard to bring it back. That’s why the first few weeks are so important.
