Watering Newly Laid Sod

Watering Newly Laid Sod: Instructions from Fanelli Landscape Supply

Congratulations on your newly laid sod! Proper watering is crucial to ensure the successful establishment of your lawn. At Fanelli Landscape Supply, we want to provide you with the necessary instructions to help your sod thrive. Follow these guidelines for watering your newly laid sod:

1. Start Immediately: Begin watering your sod as soon as possible after installation. Time is of the essence to prevent it from drying out and ensure healthy root growth.
2. First Watering: Give your newly laid sod a thorough initial watering. The goal is to saturate the sod and the underlying soil to a depth of about 6-8 inches. This will help the roots establish contact with the soil.
3. Frequent Watering: For the first week or two, water your sod daily to keep it consistently moist. Aim to keep the soil underneath slightly damp but not waterlogged. This frequent watering schedule will encourage root development.
4. Watering Depth: As the roots start to take hold, gradually reduce the frequency of watering while increasing the amount of water applied during each session. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil.
5. Avoid Overwatering: While it's important to keep the sod moist, be cautious not to overwater. Overwatering can lead to shallow root growth and other issues such as disease or weed problems. Monitor the moisture levels and adjust accordingly.
6. Morning Watering: Whenever possible, water your sod in the early morning. This allows the grass blades to dry out during the day and reduces the risk of fungal diseases.
7. Evaporation Reduction: Minimize water loss through evaporation by avoiding midday or afternoon watering when temperatures are high. Also, consider using mulch or straw to cover any exposed soil areas, helping to retain moisture.
8. Adjusting Watering Schedule: As your sod becomes established and shows signs of healthy growth (typically after a few weeks), gradually transition to a regular watering schedule. Deep, infrequent watering is generally recommended to promote strong root development.

Remember, every lawn and environment is unique, so it's important to monitor the specific moisture needs of your sod. Pay attention to signs of dehydration (wilting, discoloration) or excessive moisture (puddling, runoff) and adjust your watering accordingly.

If you have any further questions or need additional guidance on watering your newly laid sod, don't hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team at Fanelli Landscape Supply. We're here to support you throughout the sod establishment process.

Wishing you a thriving and beautiful lawn!