WATERING: While a newly seeded or sodded lawn should be kept moist, it should not be permitted to become overly wet. Until grass growth is established, a new lawn may require daily waterings, and depending upon temperature and humidity, several waterings per day. A seeded lawn should be watered consistently so as to keep it moist as new plants emerge; the emergence of new plants from seeds is the critical point for healthy lawn growth.

The first watering for a seeded lawn should be a light as to “set” the seeds. After that, water every day for about 30 to 45 minutes per section. Move the sprinkler to a different section if you see puddles forming or run-off occurs. Monitor daily and adjust watering according to the weather. An oscillating sprinkler will work the best, but any good sprinkler will do the job.

For sodded lawns, use a sprinkler, and thoroughly soak the sod enough to soak through to the soil under the sod. If needed move the sprinkler several times to cover the whole area. You can place the sprinkler at the farthest spot first, and pull the sprinkler to the next spot. Each area should receive about 60 minutes (or until soaked through) the first time, and about 30 - 60 minutes each time afterwards. Sod should be kept moist and not allowed to dry out.

Repeat this daily, or as needed according to the weather, for the first 2 weeks, until the sod has started to root. (When you can no longer pull up the corners of the sod)
Once sod is rooted in, water it deeply as needed – about once to twice a week, 1 hour per area.

For both sod and seed, initial waterings are extremely important. Also keep in mind, June, July, and August are hot and dry, and both sod and seed will need extra water to keep them healthy and strong.

MOWING: Mow only with sharp blades on your mower. Newly seeded lawns should be cut only after the grass reaches 3 ½” to 4” of height and cut to a height of 3” no less. Cut the lawn often enough to not create a lot of grass clippings, and do not rake the new lawn. Raking will damage the new grass plants. Heavy traffic – people and pets – can cause damage, and should be avoided until at least the 3rd mowing cycle. Sod mowing is basically the same, mow after the sod has rooted and attached to the soil.

NOTE: Seeded lawns with straw – leave the straw down and do not rake or try to remove it. The new grass will grow up through it and if you rake it you will rip the new grass plants out. The straw is mulch and will rot down and disappear after a couple of mowings.