While everyone knows that a lawn needs water, the devils are in the specifics. Many homeowners, caught between managing utility bills and the desire for a lush lawn often end up asking, “How much water does my lawn need?”
New Sod
You’ll want to ensure your new sod is well watered in order for it to take root. Start watering turf as soon as possible after it’s laid. Ideally, you’ll start watering within a half hour of laying sod. New turfgrass sod requires 1-1.5 inches of water initially after it’s installed.
Water enough for moisture to reach the soil that lays under the sod, saturating the first 3 to 4 inches of topsoil under the sod. Measure water penetration by inserting a screwdriver or other long, pointed instrument into the turf. The top 5 inches should be wet upon removal.
You’ll need to water your new sod at least once daily until its roots take hold, which usually takes a couple weeks. Give new sod 1-1.5 inches of water daily. If you’ve sodded in summer months when temperatures approach 100 degrees, you’ll also need to provide superficial irrigation throughout the day to keep the upper layer of soil from drying out.
Existing Lawn
You’ll need to give your lawn 1-1.5 inches of water per week, year round, to keep it healthy. Because all sprinklers and water pressures are different, you may need to water anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes to give your grass the water it needs. Water long enough to be able to push a screwdriver 6 inches into the soil. Water deeply once or twice a week, rather than frequently to encourage roots to grow deeply.
Make the best use of your watering by avoiding watering when the sun is at its peak. By watering early in the morning or in the evening, less water will evaporate, allowing more to reach your turf’s roots.
