The first watering of newly installed turfgrass sod is the most important. Begin watering immediately after installation of new turfgrass. The first watering establishes how well the grass will perform for years to come.

• It is essential to begin watering new turf within a half hour after it is laid on the soil. Apply at least 1 inch of water so that the soil beneath the turf is very wet. Ideally, the soil 3 to 4 inches below the surface will be moist.
• For the next two weeks (or until the turf is well rooted), keep the below-turf soil surface moist with daily (or more frequent) waterings of approximately 1/4 inch each. Especially hot, dry, or windy periods will necessitate increased watering amounts and frequency.
• During the remainder of the growing season, most lawns will do very well with a maximum of 1 inch of water a week, coming either from rain or applied water. Soil conditions may dictate that the amount be applied in two settings, two to three days apart. This amount of water, properly applied, is all that is required for the health of the grass, providing it is applied evenly and saturates the underlying soil to a depth of 4 to 6 in.
• Watering Guide for Newly Planted Shrubs & Trees
• There is no absolute solution to watering, given differing plant materials and site conditions. A guideline, however, for watering trees and shrubs is to make sure they receive 1” of water per week. When first planted you may need to water five to six times a week until the roots begin to move into the surrounding soil, but as the plant establishes, you can reduce your frequency of watering.
• Do not depend on irrigation systems for watering new trees and shrubs.
• If the plant foliage appears wilted, check surrounding soil for dryness. If the soil is very dry, simply water.
• Weather conditions will play a large role in determining when to water. Rainy, cloudy, cooler weather means watering less often. Sunny, windy, and warmer weather requires more frequent watering. In a dry fall/winter season, water new plants through the fall.
• Lawn Watering Guide For Newly Planted Lawns
• First: Keep the lawn surface moist for the first 3 weeks (light daily watering).
• Then: For the next 3 weeks, water more thoroughly but less often (2 to 3 times per week).
• Timing: Try to avoid watering in the evening, unless your work schedule makes it absolutely necessary.