Watering is a crucial part of caring for new sod, and knowing what to do, how long, and how frequently—especially in those initial weeks—can make all the difference in successful establishment. Once the sod is installed on your property in Tennessee, you'll want to water it deeply to encourage it to begin rooting in the soil. During the first two weeks, you'll also want to water regularly to keep it moist while it develops its roots. During weeks 3-4, you should reduce the frequency but water for more extended periods. This approach will ensure it has enough water to establish without being soaked to the point of causing other issues. Additionally, you should avoid watering it at night so you don't encourage the ideal conditions for fungi to fester!

Deeply water your sod immediately after it's installed!

Sod being installed on a property in Memphis, TN.

When caring for newly installed sod in Tennessee, deep watering on the day of installation is imperative to foster the initial phase of root establishment. This crucial step involves saturating the sod and the underlying soil thoroughly, ensuring that the root system of the newly laid grass receives ample moisture. Proper moisture plays a vital role in the successful integration of sod into your soil, as it enables the grass to establish roots and seamlessly anchor itself in the new environment.

The depth of watering allows the moisture to penetrate the soil effectively, creating an optimal environment for the newly laid sod to begin its transformation into a lush, green surface on the landscape. This deep watering serves as a foundational step, laying the groundwork for the healthy and vigorous establishment of your sod. If you don't water your sod right away, there's a chance it could dry out!

New sod requires a certain level of soil moisture for initial establishment to prevent drying out and wilting.

Maintain a consistent watering schedule for the first 2 weeks after sod installation.

For the first 2 weeks after sod installation, maintaining a consistent watering routine is essential. This strategy ensures a stable supply of moisture, preventing the delicate roots from drying out. Your aim should be to water the sod every few hours, several times throughout the day. This consistent hydration helps the grass establish itself, making it more robust and resilient to environmental stresses as it grows and develops.

Adjust your watering schedule during weeks 3-4 to foster deep root development with your sod.

By three to four weeks after installing your new sod, you should switch to a less frequent but longer-lasting watering schedule. This method ensures that your sod receives adequate hydration while still encouraging robust and deep root development. Watering for a more extended period but less frequently means that the soil can absorb and retain water for longer, creating an environment that allows for the development of extensive root systems.

The best time to water your sod is generally in the early morning. Watering during the early morning reduces the risk of evaporation, allowing the sod to absorb adequate water, encouraging deep root establishment, and helping to prevent fungal diseases from occurring.

Avoid watering your lawn at night, as that can promote the ideal conditions for fungal diseases!

Reach out to us to schedule our sod installation service!

Lush, green grass can make all the difference in a property's curb appeal. You can enjoy this ideal property aesthetic with our sod installation service! Our dedicated team employs extensive experience and knowledge of best practices in every part of the sod installation process.

Our services are offered to property owners in Memphis, TN, and nearby communities such as Midtown Memphis and East Memphis. If you're ready to transform your grass, schedule our expert sod installation service today by calling us at (901) 246-7656.