Sod is perishable and must not be allowed to remain on the pallet. Proper watering is essential to the establishment of your new sod. You will always want to water in the heat of the day to prevent the sod from drying up and pulling away from the seams. IMPORTANT! Install the Sod Immediately and Begin Watering! Do Not Wait Until the Next Day
First Week
Keep the sod and soil beneath completely soaked – it is impossible to overwater during this period. As a general guide, water once a day during this critical first week. Watering times should be approximately 2 to 3 hours. These numbers may need to be increased during very hot weather.* If water starts to puddle, cut back a bit on watering time.Second Week
Reduce watering to 1 1/2 hours a day, gradually allowing the soil to firm. The test to determine moisture can be accomplished by inserting a pocket knife into ground and moisture can be felt on knife. This will make it possible for you to mow for the first time toward the end of week two.Third Week
Your sod should be established and you may cut back to a normal watering routine which for the Houston area is once every 1 to 3 days. When sod is well established, it can be watered every *two to *three weeks during the spring and summer. To determine if well established, it is not possible to pull apart from the ground. *Frequency and length of watering will depend on how warm, how windy, and how rapidly the lawn dries out following each watering. Remember the goal during week one is to keep the sod and soil beneath moist all of the time.Suggestions for methods of watering are:
- Water Truck – There are companies that rent this type of equipment in different sizes, by the day, week or month.
- Temporary Irrigation System – 40’ Sections of PVC Pipe with Risers.
- Soaker Hoses – Soaker hoses (preferably the flat green hose with holes) be purchased from any hardware and/or building supply store.