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How to Water Your New Sod

Determining how long to water new grass depends on several variables. The shortest answer is “Never let the new grass dry out.” It should stay damp, but not saturated for several weeks.

Please be sure to have enough hose, tees, timers, and sprinklers to cover all portions of the new turf on site prior to the start of the project. Please make sure the hose bibs are turned on, de-winterized, and functioning properly.

Watering new sod properly the first day is super critical because proper watering can keep all the existing blades of grass alive. Insufficient watering will force the sod to kill off some of the foliage to protect the rest. It will only grow new blades when there is a sufficient root system to support the extra demand. The difference is a density issue. Regaining the super thick grass the farm supplied after a kill off is increasingly difficult the more time has passed. Be prepared to water daily the first week 20-30 min in each sprinkler location and some times twice a day if extra high temperatures and/or drought conditions exist.

The sod will need watering within the first few hours, not days. It has approximately 1/10th the root system a mature and healthy lawn should have. The first growing season is by far the easiest time to help the turf establish an optimum root system. The soils are looser and allow vigorous root growth. The young sod tends to grow more quickly, immediately following installation because it has energy reserves created at the sod farm where the growing conditions were ideal. I usually recommend watering every day for the 1st week, every other day the 2nd week, every third the 3rd week etc. The idea is to slowly wean the grass off of artificial watering. This doesn’t mean ignore the grass during hot, dry times. Our unpredictable weather patterns will require supplemental watering. Generally when temperatures rise above 90, or your lawn goes without rain for over a week, it is time to water.

Automatic irrigation systems are now available with all sorts of sensors for, rain, humidity, in ground moisture, and temperature, to automatically adjust time and frequency of watering & create optimum growing conditions. I highly recommend one of these systems because they are more efficient while still providing the idea level of irrigation.

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Our Clients Testimonials

Wow!! Just wow!! These guys are top notch! Burt and his crew are amazing, not only did they reply in a very timely manner, but they also were sensitive to my financial restrictions. From start to finish the job was done in a flash and also with beautiful attention to detail! I would recommend Burt with Landscape Innovations to any and everyone!
Blaze C.
If you want expertise, experience and long-term return on investment of any landscaping, drainage and/or outdoor living project, Burt Young and Landscape Innovations is the only quality resource to consider. Burt has my highest recommendation and sincerest gratitude for the value proposition his company provides. Looking forward to the next project with this company.
Nic G.
Burt built a beautiful paver patio w/sitting wall and a fire pit ring in our backyard. It has transformed the yard into a gathering space that we will enjoy for years to come. We look forward to finishing up with Burt in the spring with Phase 2 -- new sod!
Michelle H.
Burt and his team did a great job for me on a fairly large job of grading, new sod and a retaining wall. I am very pleased with the outcome of the project and would highly recommend him for any landscaping projects small or large. He takes pride in his work and works hard to meet his customers expectations. I will be using him again for a smaller job in the next few weeks.
Lane P.
Burt just finished putting in a large retaining wall for me. The work was done perfect and I love the end product. What I value the most was his insight and advice. He could have just built what I told him, but instead he advised me to make adjustments. His suggestions were an improvement and actually cost less than what I asked for. Its refreshing when someone gives you advice that will save you money when he could have pocketed the extra profit! Love working with him.
Alicia A.
Burt is very knowledgeable in his field and has a great eye for design. He is honest and fair with his prices. He is also direct and to the point in his proposals and with working with his clients and their needs. Whether you want drainage issues fixed, a yard makeover or a wonderful backyard oasis, Landscape Innovations will give you the most for your money.
Kim B.