WATER REQUIREMENTS
FOR FRESHLY LAID TURFGRASS
Cooler Months Watering Guide
March, April, and November
WEEK 1: It is critical to water new turf for the first seven days. New sod requires two inches of water per day for the first seven days. The total amount should be split up over four or five watering periods each day. Keep in mind that the warmer the temperature is when you plant your grass, the more water you need to apply.
​
WEEK 2: After the first seven days, water at the rate of one inch per day for the next seven days, and split up the amount over two to three watering periods each day.
WEEK 3: Water a half an inch per day every other day for the third period of seven days. After these first three weeks, you can revert to watering two times each week by the inch per month rates in the chart below.
WEEK 4 & FIRST SEASON: Throughout the first season of your turf’s growth, water as needed. Don’t allow your new turf to dry out during the first year. Your new turf is not fully established until after the first season is complete!
Transitional Watering Guide
May, September, and October
WEEK 1: It is critical to water your new turf for the first seven days. New sod requires two inches or more of water per day for the first seven days. The total amount should be split up over four or five watering periods each day. The warmer the temperature outside (over 90 degrees), the more water you will need to apply!
​
WEEK 2: After the first seven days, water at the rate of one to two inches per day for the second period of seven days. Split up your waterings over two to three watering periods each day.
​
WEEK 3: Water one inch every other day for the third set of seven days. After the first two or three weeks, revert to watering two times per week based on the inch following the monthly rates in the chart below.
WEEK 4 & FIRST SEASON: Water as needed and do not allow your turf to dry out during the first year. Your turf will not be fully established until after the first season!
Summer Watering Guide
June, July, and August
WEEK 1: It is critical to water your new turf for the first seven days. New sod requires two inches or more of water per day for the first seven days. The total amount of water should be split up over four or five watering periods each day, and the warmer the temperature outside (over 90 degrees), the more water you will need to apply.
​
WEEK 2: After the first seven days, water at a rate of two inches per day for the second week and split up the watering over two to three watering periods each day.
​
WEEK 3: Water one to two inches per day every other day for seven days. After the first two or three weeks, revert to watering two times per week based on the inch, and follow the monthly rates in the chart at the bottom of this page.
​
WEEK 4 & FIRST SEASON: Water as needed and do not allow your new turf to dry out the first year. Your turf is not fully established until after the first season!
Winter Watering Guide
December, January, and February
WEEK 1: It is critical to water new turf for the first seven days. New sod requires one inch of water per day for the first three days. The total watering amount should be split up over three or four watering periods each day, if possible. After the first three days, water at a rate of a half inch every other day for the rest of the first week.
​
WEEK 2: Water a half an inch every third day.
WEEK 3 & AFTER: Revert to watering once per month based on the inch, following the monthly rates shown in the chart below.
If there is no natural precipitation during the winter months when your sprinklers are shut off, it may be necessary for you to hand-water your new turf to ensure stable establishment. The warmer the temperature, the more water you need to apply!
If snow is on your new sod, don't water it! Don't worry about watering until the ground starts to thaw out.
Water Needs of Established Turf After The First Year
The water needs for your turf per month, as shown in the chart below, are dependent on proper preparation, installation, and maintenance. Watering for your turf’s first season must be 20% more than the amounts shown in the chart below.
The water needs shown in the chart are based on Kentucky Bluegrass turf requirements. Fescue grass can use up to 30% to 40% less water than Bluegrass, Turf Master Enviroturf™ can use up to 40% less water than Bluegrass, Nature's Prairie Turf™ can use up to 50% less water than Bluegrass, and Canadian Blue Fescue™ can use up to 40% to 50% less water than Bluegrass. Please keep these numbers in mind when caring for your turf.
Watering Chart
*The water needs shown in the chart are based on Kentucky Bluegrass.
