Put Down Sod, Advice on Maintaining?

Question

Hi,

I just got my sod put down last night. I live in Washington State and the weather has been fairly hot the last few weeks. We are in the mid 80's now and expected to get near the 100's again this weekend.

I watered down the dirt last night before putting the sod down. I also watered the seams between the pieces thoroughly after it was put down. I've put the sprinkler system to water each section for 10 minutes, 3 times before 2PM today.

I was told to water it heavy the day after laying it down, to ensure nothing dries out and dies.

What's a good schedule after today? 3-4 times a day? Is there anything else I should do to make sure everything grows in healthy?

Oh also I used the lawn roller last night after laying it down as well.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Try to avoid watering the grass at the hottest times of the day because the water will just evaporate and the grass will not get to absorb it. Water your grass at the early hours in the morning and in the night time so the grass can get its maximum amount of water.

Answer 2

I live in the UK and 80 degree's would be a heatwave worthy of headline news. I you are in for a prolonged spell of very hot weather, then your sod is going to be suseptable to drought, unless you take great care. You CANNOT overwater grass, 99percent of it's substance is water. You have done everything right so far, so what I would suggest, is to put the sprinkler on in the morning for a couple of hours so that the watering is done before the sun gets too hot, and do the same in the evening. Do not walk on the grass of you can avoid it. I think 3-4 times a day is not necessary, I think 4 hours 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM should be sufficient to protect the grass. A lot of water will flow in 4 hours of sprinkling. If the sod has been laid correctly, and rolled as well

you should be fine. When you reach 100 degrees, then maybe a longer spell of watering on both occations. You will be fine.

Answer 3

I'm not sure if you would have to water 3-4 times a day, that sounds like a lot to me.  I would just give it a good soak early in the morning everyday and call it good.

Watering in the afternoon when it's hot like that wastes a lot of water and also can burn your grass so try to stay away from that as much as possible.  Watering in the evening is okay but tends to promote fungus.

Answer 4

Been there! lol! You need to water it in the morning and early evening. You MUST water it heavily (not flooding of course) for the first 3weeks to allow the sod to take root in your yard.

Water, water, water!!! Seriously! Good Luck !!!

Answer 5

Water in the morning, a good thorough soaking. The plants need the water during the day, and watering in the morning ensures time to soak up the water and plump up the blades. Also, staying wet during the night aids fungus. Water daily until a sl;ight tug on the sod ensures the roots have taken hold. Use sand to fill in any gaps (no matter how slight) between each sod piece helps to create a more even sod, and keeps it from drying out as quick. Once a gentle tugs tells you it has rooted, start extending the days between watering, according to your weather needs.

In the future, after it has rooted, a footprint can tell if it needs watering. If the blades spring back up after stepping on them, they don`t need watering. If they stay down, water.