Guides · Sod

How to water & care for new sod

The first 30 minutes matter

Sod is a living thing, and it starts drying out the moment it's cut. Plan to lay it the same day it's delivered, and water it thoroughly within 30 minutes of laying — you want the soil beneath it soaked, not just the surface.

The first two to three weeks

This is when the roots knit into the soil. Keep the sod consistently moist — usually a good watering in the morning, and again in the afternoon during hot spells. Step on a corner and peek: if it lifts easily, it needs more time and water; when it resists, it's rooting.

Easing off & the first mow

After a few weeks, water less often but more deeply to encourage deep roots. Wait until the sod is firmly rooted (about 2–3 weeks) before the first mow, and never cut more than a third of the blade at once.

Prep is half the battle

Great results start before the sod arrives: kill or remove old grass and weeds, then grade and lightly loosen the soil so it's smooth and level. If you'd rather skip the prep and watering guesswork, we install sod start to finish.