Guide to Watering Grass Seed, Sod, and New Shrubs/Trees

Written by Rachel Downey

My Mission: To educate my customers on how to achieve the perfect lawn and landscaping.

IMPORTANT: Grass seed and sod require the same treatment. You have to be committed to watering a lot in the first 2-3 weeks. The two mistakes customers commonly make with grass seed/sod: (1) they don't water it enough so it never grows or (2) once the grass has grown a little bit, they stop watering it.

Overseeding

Overseed in the Fall because:

The ground is still warm from the summer
The grass will go dormant in winter. Come spring, the rain will water the grass thoroughly
Aerating and overseeding together offers the best chance for the seed to be successful, and you should only aerate in fall

Sod

The best time to lay the sod is in the winter
Sod can be tricky. It looks like it is fully established grass but you have to remember that it is not. Treat exactly the same as grass seed
Our sod is always grown in a sunny field. This affects its ability to grow in the shade. Place it out of the shade in a sunny spot, and this should stop the grass from thinning
Can overseed with sod (except in winter)
Sod laid in the winter:
- If the weather gets into the upper 40s and above, then the sod needs an inch of water a week (roughly about an hour of watering, but each yard is different)
- If the temperature is in the upper 40s and it rained or snowed an inch that week, there is no need to water
- If the temperature stays below the upper 40s, then there is no need to water

Your Watering Schedule

If your lawn has good preexisting grass, you may need to water less because the preexisting grass will help shade the new seed.
Everyone's yard is different, so use this schedule as a general guideline
Seeds only get one shot at germination, and if they dry out they will die
Water regularly until the new grass seedlings are 3 inches tall

If you are reading this on a mobile device make sure to click the plus sign next to Amount of Time to Water to see the full table

Watering Tips

As the soil dries, the surface becomes lighter in color. When you notice about half to two-thirds of the surface lightening up, it's time to water
When the temperature is above 78 degrees, water the grass 3 times a day
If there is existing grass you may be able to get by with watering only once a day, but if your existing grass is thinner, then water 2 times
After about 3 weeks when you have an even ground covering of newly sprouted grass seedlings, try skipping a day of watering and see what happens. If the color starts to change from a bright green to a dull gray-green, the grass needs to be watered. Gradually keep stretching the intervals between watering until you're on a schedule of once or twice a week or as needed
Don't drown the seed. There shouldn't be puddles in your yard when you are done watering
Areas around trees will need more water because tree roots will suck up excess water
Call Kyle with any questions. We want to see your lawn succeed
If you are worried about forgetting to water or you physically cannot do it yourself daily, you can buy a timer that hooks up to your hose faucet from Home Depot or any other hardware store for $12-$25

Watering New Trees/Shrubs

General Tips

The first week you plant a shrub or tree water each day with a hose on a slow trickle for 5-10 mins or water with a bucket of water poured slowly.
Most of the time irrigation systems do not water well enough for trees and shrubs (spraying the leaves instead of soaking the roots).
Potted plants or small perennials/annuals need 15-20 minutes of water every other day

Spring & Summer

Check to see if your tree needs watering every 7-10 days. Check if your shrubs need watering 3 times a week. Move mulch away to feel the soil and check the moisture
When watering, slowly soak the root area for about 30 minutes for trees and 15 minutes for shrubs. This deep watering will promote a strong, healthy root system
Adjust watering routine according to water, soil conditions, plant type, and plant size

Fall & Winter

Evergreens need water through the winter
Soak the root systems twice every 2-3 weeks if we do not have rain or snow
Use a bucket or watering can if it is too cold to use a hose

Deciduous (sheds leaves annually) Trees and Shrubs

Deciduous plants need less water since they drop their leaves. Water new plants every 3 weeks if we do not get rain or snow