Week One: Keep It Moist
- Water frequently — enough to keep sod and soil moist all day
- Water before 10 AM every time
- Check under the corner: sod and soil should both feel damp
- Don’t let seams or edges dry out
- No puddles, runoff, or muddy spots
- Stay off the lawn completely
Week 2: Water Deeper
- Reduce frequency, increase depth
- Roots should be starting to knit in
- Sod resisting when you try to lift it = good sign
- Still lifts easily = keep the Week 1 schedule a few more days
- Avoid foot traffic until firmly rooted
Week 3: Go Normal
- Transition to deep, infrequent watering
- Sod should resist lifting and seams should be tightening
- Mow once the grass reaches 3–4 inches
- After first mow = OK to resume normal foot traffic
- Adjust schedule with weather — don’t set-and-forget the timer
Always
- Water before 10 AM
- Check under the corner of the sod
- Adjust frequency with weather changes
- Stay off the lawn for 2–3 weeks
- Wait until after first mow to resume normal use
Never
- Water in the afternoon or evening
- Set the timer and forget it
- Allow puddling, runoff, or soggy soil
- Allow foot traffic or pets on new sod
- Ignore dry or curling edges