Newly Planted Turf: Sod is a living thing. Like all living things, correct care during the first few weeks is critical for proper health and development. New lawns require frequent waterings, especially during our hot Arizona summers. With the following week-by-week guide, you can breeze through your lawn's first month with ease and ensure its health and vitality for years to come.

Summer: Weeks 1-2: During these first two weeks it is imperative for you to keep the sod and the top three inches of soil wet constantly, without allowing water to pool. Water 10-15 minutes 4 times a day. In this phase, always water during daylight hours.

Summer: Week 3: Once the roots are attached to the soil (approximately 14 days after installation), you can decrease your watering to 15-20 minutes once a day.

Summer: Week 4: At this point, the root system should be established and you can begin watering your lawn once a day for 10-12 minutes. The key now is to water deeply and efficiently. 30 minutes after watering the soil should be wet 8-10 inches deep. You can determine this by pushing a long screwdriver or probe into the ground. There should be no difficulty penetrating 8-10 inches deep.

Winter: Weeks 1-2: During these first two weeks it is imperative for you to keep the sod and the top three inches of soil wet constantly, without allowing water to pool. Water 10-15 minutes 3 times a day. In this phase, always water during daylight hours.

Winter: Week 3: Once the roots are attached to the soil (approximately 14 days after installation), you can decrease your watering to 15-20 minutes once a day.

Winter: Week 4: At this point, the root system should be established and you can begin watering your lawn once a day for 8-10 minutes. Prevent runoff and pooling by adding intervals and reducing time. The key now is to water deeply and efficiently. 30 minutes after watering the soil should be wet 8-10 inches deep. You can determine this by pushing a long screwdriver or probe into the ground. There should be no difficulty penetrating 4-6 inches deep.

Watering Wisdom:

• Always water established turf in the early morning to prevent fungus, disease and excessive evaporation. Never water at night.
  
• If footprints stay in your grass for more than 5 minutes, it's time to turn on the sprinklers. A bluish grey tint also indicates stress and lack of water.
  
• If you have a dry area, place a shallow container in the dry area and another like-size container in a green area. Water 15-20 minutes and then measure the water in both containers. If the dry area is not getting the same amount of water as the green area, adjust the sprinkler heads accordingly.