AntoineAsphalt.caHow Do I Water and Care for New Sod?
Quick answer
Water new sod thoroughly at least twice a day, early morning and late afternoon, until it is established, and make sure the water reaches the soil underneath. Stay off it for at least two weeks (a month is better), and wait at least three to four weeks before fertilizing. In Burlington and Oakville, Halton Region lets you water new sod outside the odd/even schedule until it's established.
How often should I water new sod?
Toronto Master Gardeners, citing Ontario's agriculture ministry (OMAFRA), say new sod "should be watered thoroughly at least twice each day until it is established." Water early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Make sure the water soaks through to the soil. "If the sod is dry, no amount of water or fertilizer will revive it."
A US guide from LawnStarter (updated October 9, 2026) gives this schedule:
| When | How much |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | About 1 inch of water (40–60 minutes) to soak 4–6 inches deep |
| Days 2–14 | Twice a day, 10–15 minutes each |
| After day 14 | Every 2–3 days in the morning, about 1–1.5 inches a week |
How do I know new sod has rooted?
Try the tug test starting around day 7 to 10 (LawnStarter). Gently pull up on a corner. If it resists, roots are taking hold. That's when you can start cutting back to deeper, less frequent watering.
When can I walk on and mow new sod?
- Walking: wait at least 14 days, and ideally a month.
- Dogs: keep them off for 30 days or more.
- First mow: around week 3, when the grass is about one-third taller than your target height. Never cut off more than one-third of the blade.
(All from LawnStarter.)
When should I fertilize new sod?
Toronto Master Gardeners say fertilizer usually isn't needed for 3 to 4 weeks. LawnStarter says 30 to 60 days. Either way, hold off for at least a few weeks.
Can I water new sod during watering restrictions?
- Burlington and Oakville (Halton Region): Halton is on a voluntary odd/even system (Level 1). Odd-numbered addresses water on odd days, even on even days. Newly laid sod or seed may be watered "until the sod is established." The rules fall under Waterworks By-law 79-19.
- Hamilton: A third-party page says Hamilton's Water Works By-law 23-235 limits lawn watering to every other day. We could not confirm whether new sod is exempt. Check the City of Hamilton's watering page or call the City before you water daily.
New sod care tracker
Today is day 1.
Current stage: Day 1: deep soak, about 1 inch.
Next milestone (October 19, 2026): Days 2–14: water twice a day, 10–15 minutes.
- Day 1: deep soak, about 1 inch.
- Days 2–14: water twice a day, 10–15 minutes.
- Days 7–10: start the tug test.
- Day 14: start walking lightly; water every 2–3 days, 1–1.5 inches a week.
- About day 21: first mow, removing no more than one-third.
- Day 30: dogs can go on; earliest fertilizer window (TMG says 3–4 weeks, LawnStarter says 30–60 days).
Schedule from LawnStarter (US) and Toronto Master Gardeners. Adjust for heat, rain and local watering rules.
Frequently asked questions
Can I water new sod daily in Hamilton?
We couldn't confirm a new-sod exemption from Hamilton's every-other-day rule. Check with the City first. Halton does exempt new sod.
When can my dog go on new sod?
LawnStarter says to keep dogs off for 30 days or more.
What time of day should I water new sod?
Toronto Master Gardeners say early morning and late afternoon.
When should I mow new sod for the first time?
Around week 3, when the grass is about one-third taller than your target height. Don't cut more than one-third of the blade.
Related guides & services
See how we prepare and lay new lawns on our sod installation page.
Watering rules can change during dry spells. Check Halton Region or the City of Hamilton for current restrictions.
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Contact Antoine Landscape Contractors at (647) 459-7775 or share your project details below.