For many homeowners, few things are more satisfying than gazing at a healthy, beautifully maintained summer lawn. This lush, green grass didn’t grow overnight, and it takes a lot of care and maintenance to sustain its health throughout the seasons. Unfortunately, not all lawns are created equal, but there are ways to restore a damaged lawn’s glory.

If your lawn is looking bare and muddy and you want a quick home improvement, placing sod is a great alternative to seeding. Unlike seed that can take a year or longer to grow, sod is a mature and developed plant that can be installed immediately, providing an instant carpet of beautiful, green turf. The lawn maintenance experts at Metro Sod & Seeding in Lincoln, Nebraska, offer a comprehensive selection of high-quality lawn care services.

3 Tips for Watering New Sod

1. Establish a Watering Routine

Newly installed sod must be kept moist and spongy. To help the grass take root, the water should infiltrate the soil 3” to 4” below the surface. A daily, early morning water schedule of at least one inch of water will encourage healthy rooting and give the sod the moisture it needs to thrive. Applying water in the early morning when dew is on the ground will ensure the lawn is watered on an eco-friendly schedule. This also allows water and nutrients to be fully absorbed before the heat of the day arrives. Installing a timed sprinkler system will spare you from the 6 a.m. wake-ups.

2. Check Moisture

Lift a sod corner to test the condition of the turf and soil beneath. The soil should be damp, but not drenched. If the ground is soggy, it has been over-saturated. To reduce the risk of fungus or disease, give it time to dry before the next hydration. If the sod is dry or discolored, water more frequently. Periodically peel back a sod corner over several weeks to check the root progress. When you begin to see white roots and the sod becomes harder to pull back, you can cut down on the watering.

3. After Rooting

Sod will root into the soil within one to three weeks. At that point, you can reduce the water schedule to one inch of water, once per week during the early morning.

If you’re considering sod installation and sprinkler systems, Metro Sod & Seeding, serving Lincoln and the surrounding areas, has the experience to help you get started. Their professional team can handle any project, no matter how large or small. Call them today at (402) 730-4421 to schedule a consultation or visit them online to learn more about all of their affordable lawn maintenance products and services.