How Often Should You Water a Newly Seeded Lawn?

Since grass seed is barely covered by a layer of earth and mulch, proper watering is critical. Too little allows the sprouted seed to dry out and die, while too much may wash it away.

First Week

The first week after planting, moisture levels need to be constant for proper sprouting. Water lightly--in the daytime--and only enough to keep the surface layer damp.

After Emergence

While the grass is less than an inch tall, watering once on cloudy days and twice on sunny days should be enough. Over-watering may physically damage the lawn by displacing sprouted seed and earth.

Maturing Grass

When the grass is one inch in height, cut back watering to once a day. Grass roots never occupy more than the top few inches of soil, so just water enough to keep that zone damp.

First Mowing

Grass should be several inches high before the first mowing. Stop watering a day or two before to let the ground firm up, and cut no shorter than two-thirds the height of the grass.

Mature Lawns

When the grass fills in, watering amounts depend on local weather. Established lawns become dormant during droughts, but new lawns have less drought resistance.

References

• Seeding Your Lawn

Resources

• This Old House Advice on Lawn Planting