Home Building FAQs: How Often Should I Water My New Sod?

I recently started a new blog series answering common home building questions. My goal is to provide you with a quick answer (300 words or less!) to a common question and when I can, give you resources to find more information on the topic. 

Today I’m answering the question – How Often Should I Water My New Sod?

James Crabtree runs a professional landscaping company out of Leesburg, VA called Green Sun, Inc. James and I have known each other since we were 15 years old and since I’ve known him, he’s been passionate about creating beautiful outdoor spaces for his clients (he’s owned his own landscaping business since high school!). Here is what James has to say about how often you should water your newly sodded yard…

Unfortunately, there is no quick, uniform answer to this question. However, the rule of thumb is to water it as much as it takes to keep the sod and the soil beneath it moist to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. In order to achieve proper moisture content of the soil below, you’ll have to water it for longer periods rather than multiple quick watering cycles. Sod will normally take root within about two weeks, but that doesn’t mean you stop watering it then. You need to continue to monitor the condition of the sod for the next six months or so (especially if the six-month period ends in the middle of the summer).

Also, it must be watered immediately upon installation. So many times we have customers say that they will water it tomorrow, but that will be too late! Especially if the sod was installed during the summer months. WATER, WATER WATER!!! And stay positive!

Thank you James!

284 words = staying positive!