Watering instructions for new landscapes

October 23, 2025  |  plants, seed watering guide and instructions, sod, trees
General Guidelines
  • Water deeply and less frequently.
    Encourage deep root growth by soaking the soil to a depth of 6–8 inches. Avoid shallow, frequent watering.  *For Best Results, use an open-ended hose placed at the base of the plant and running at a slow trickle
  • Adjust based on rainfall.
    If your area has received 1 inch or more of rain in the past week, you can likely skip watering.
  • Morning watering is best.
    Water between 6–10 a.m. to allow moisture to soak in before evening temperatures drop.
For New Plants (Planted This Fall)
  • Water 2–3 times per week, depending on rainfall.
  • Check soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches into the soil—if it’s dry, it’s time to water.
  • Continue this schedule until the first hard frost (typically late October to early November).
For Established Plants
  • Water only during dry spells, about once every 10–14 days.
  • Trees and shrubs benefit from a deep soak before the ground freezes—this helps them overwinter better.
Prepping for Colder Weather
  • Start reducing watering gradually as nighttime temps consistently dip below 40°F.
  • Stop watering once the ground begins to freeze or after the first hard frost.
Bonus Tips:
  • Avoid watering foliage late in the day, as cold overnight temps can promote disease.
  • Use mulch (2–3 inches) to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
  • If installing evergreens this fall, ensure they’re well-watered going into winter—they lose moisture even when dormant.

Watering instructions for Sod:

It is critical to keep new sod constantly moist. In hot, dry weather, water each area several hours a day. After the first cut, the new sod should receive at least 1 inch of water over the course of a week, either from rain or sprinkling.

Watering instructions for Seed:

For the first three weeks: water lightly twice a day to keep the seed moist.  Avoid over watering.  After three weeks, the lawn should receive one inch of water during the course of a week, either from rain or sprinkling.