"Kay Lancaster" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 31 Mar 2006 18:42:26 -0600, d wrote:
Hi all,

We moved into a new home last November and the builder sodded the front
for us around October. With Spring fast approaching in Wisconsin, I'm
wondering how frequently I will need to water now 4-5 month old sod.

Go out and try to lift some of the sod. If it doesn't lift easily, cut
a plug and see how far the roots have reached into the soil. If it's not
much more than an inch into your soil, I'd figure on applying an average
of an inch a water a week all summer. (that's exclusive of rain... so
if you get half an inch of rain in a week, put half an inch of water on
with sprinklers). If roots are 2-3" down, skipping a week now and then
won't be too tough on it most likely, but you don't want it to go dormant.

If the sod lifts easily, I'd figure on babying it all summer long, and
well into next fall.

Remember to water deeply, soaking the root zone and down a bit further,
instead of just moistening the top bit of soil.

a very handy home made device for deeper watering can be found here,
especially in waxy soild that resist surface penetration
http://www.burkesbackyard.com.au/200...deep_watering3

rob