The three most important things essential to the survival of new turfgrass sod. Water makes up 70% to 80% of the weight of our lawn grasses. The first watering of newly installed turfgrass sod is the most important. Water each piece of sod within 15 minutes after it is laid on the ground. Apply at least 1" of water so that the soil beneath the turf is very wet. The soil should be moist 3" to 4" below the surface. Keep the soil immediately below the new sod moist for at least 2 weeks or until the sod is rooted down. The sod will need to be watered daily or twice daily during hot, dry or windy periods. Applying a 1/2" of water daily is a good rule of thumb for establishing new turfgrass. A simple and inexpensive way to measure the amount of water applied can be achieved by using 4 to 6 flat-bottomed, straight-sided cans (tuna fish, cat food, etc.), a ruler and a watch.

This measuring method should be used across an entire lawn that has an in-ground irrigation system to assure maximum coverage and uniformity.

Look at the lawn to determine its water needs. Grass in need of water will have a grey-blue cast, rather than a blue-green or green in color. The leaf blade of the plant will curl inward similar to a pine tree needle. Footprints will still be visible for a half hour or more in a lawn in need of water, whereas foot prints in an adequately watered lawn will disappear within a few minutes.

Step #1
Arrange the cans at random distances away from any sprinkler, but all within the area you assume is being covered.

Step #2
Run the sprinkler for a specific amount of time, maybe a half-hour or run the water until a specific amount of water is in at least one can, say 1/2".

Step #3
Measure the amount of water in each can, checking for uniformity. Some variation is expected, but a difference in 25% to 30% or more between any two cans must be addressed by replacing or adjusting the sprinkler or relocating the system.