Week 1: Sod is most vulnerable

Goal: Keep the sod and soil underneath consistently moist

• Watering Frequency: 3–4 times per day

• Duration: 5–10 minutes per zone (adjust to avoid puddling)

• Time of Day:

  • Morning (between 9pm–9 a.m.)

  • Midday (if very sunny/hot)

  • Late afternoon (before 6 p.m., so leaves dry before dark)

• Tip: Walk on it — if it feels squishy or soggy, back off slightly

Week 2: Begin reducing frequency

Goal: Start training roots to go deeper

• Watering Frequency: 1–2 times per day

• Duration: 10–15 minutes per zone

• Early morning watering is still best

• Avoid standing water—this can cause root rot

Weeks 3–4: Deepen root system

Goal: Transition from shallow watering to deeper, less frequent watering

• Watering Frequency: 3–4 times per week

• Duration: 20–30 minutes per zone

• Sod should be rooting into soil — test by tugging on a corner

Week 5 and Beyond: Maintenance Phase

Goal: Maintain established lawn health

• Watering Frequency: 1–2 times per week

• Duration: Apply ~1 inch of water total per week, including rainfall