Watering your new yard properly is crucial to establishing healthy grass and deep roots, especially during the first few weeks after installation. Below is a detailed guide on how to water your newly installed yard in the first 60 days, along with instructions on adjusting your watering schedule according to your local water restrictions.
First Week (Days 1–7):
- Watering Frequency: Water three times per day to help the new grass establish its roots and prevent it from drying out under the Florida sun.
- 4:00 AM – First watering
- 12:00 PM (Noon) – Second watering
- 6:00 PM – Third watering
- Watering Duration: Each zone should run for 30 minutes during each watering session. This ensures deep penetration of water into the soil.
Frequent watering in the first week helps the grass stay hydrated and encourages root growth in the early stages of establishment.
Second, Third, and Fourth Week (Days 8–28):
- Watering Frequency: Water twice per day to allow the grass to continue rooting while avoiding overwatering.
- 4:00 AM – First watering
- 6:00 PM – Second watering
- Watering Duration: Each zone should run for 30 minutes for each watering.
By now, the grass is starting to take root. Reducing the watering frequency to twice a day helps the roots stretch deeper into the soil and become more drought-resistant.
Days 29–45 (After 30 Days from Installation):
- Watering Frequency: Water once per day to allow the grass to further develop and adapt to less frequent watering.
- 4:00 AM – Single daily watering
- Watering Duration: Each zone should still run for 30 minutes.
After 30 days, the grass should be fairly well-rooted. Watering once a day encourages deep root development and prepares the grass for more extended periods of drought.
Days 46–60 (After 45 Days from Installation):
- Watering Frequency: Water every other day to reduce water usage while continuing to support the grass as it matures.
- 4:00 AM – Water every other day (e.g., Day 47, 49, 51, etc.)
- Watering Duration: Each zone should run for 30 minutes.
At this point, the roots should be deeper and better able to withstand dry spells. By watering every other day, you promote further root strengthening.
After 60 Days (Day 61 and Beyond):
- Watering Frequency: Water according to your local water restrictions. In many areas, local authorities impose restrictions on watering days based on your address or the time of year. Ensure you follow these regulations carefully to avoid penalties and waste.
- Watering Duration: Each zone should run for 30 minutes as needed, depending on the watering restrictions.
After 60 days, your lawn should be well-established. Adjust your watering schedule based on the local regulations in your area to keep your lawn healthy while conserving water.
General Tips for Watering:
- Check for Local Restrictions: Always stay updated on any local watering regulations in your area. Many cities have certain days or times when watering is allowed to conserve water resources.
- Water Deeply, Not Frequently: Always aim to water deeply (enough to reach 4–6 inches into the soil) rather than frequently. Deep watering encourages deeper root growth.
- Monitor Rainfall: If it rains heavily, skip one of your scheduled waterings to avoid over-saturating the soil.
- Soil Type Considerations: In Florida, soil tends to be sandy and may drain quickly. If you notice the soil drying out too quickly, you may need to water a bit more frequently. However, be mindful not to overwater.
By following this schedule, your new yard will establish itself properly, ensuring strong growth, deep roots, and resilience to dry spells as it matures.