If you have decided to purchase new sod for your lawn this summer, congrats!  You are on your way to a great and luscious yard that you will be able to enjoy for years to come.  In order to make your lawn look good, though, there are some tips for taking care of new sod.  It took a lot of time, energy, and money to install your sod, so you will want to treat it properly.  The most important first element is watering.  You should water your sod on a regular basis so that the roots can establish themselves, which typically takes about three months during the summer weather.  If the soil is very compact or contains a lot of clay, it may take longer.

The frequency with which you should water your lawn depends on not only what type of sod you lay, but also what time of the year you put it down.  If the temperature is over eighty degrees, you must plan for consistent and frequent watering.  During the first week after the installation of the sod, you will likely need to water twice a day for the first three days, then once a day for the remaining four days.  The following week will require watering once a day (again, remember that this is just a general guideline – different types of sod require different amounts of water, so check with a professional before you begin this watering regiment).  Week three will be less intense with watering, possibly every other day, and you will likely mow the lawn for the first time during this period.

Once the sod has been established and the best watering schedule is determined, you will need to make sure you understand the proper amount to water.  Usually, this is about one-half inch of water in the initial week, as it will soak the sod enough for root growth.  As the frequency decreases, the amount of water should remain no more than one inch at a time.

By following the proper watering schedule after adding sod to your yard, you will be able to ensure that you are on the right path to a gorgeous lawn for the rest of the summer months.