Calgary Sod Irrigation: How to Water New Sod and Existing Lawn Through Alberta Seasons

Sod Irrigation in Calgary: The First Two Weeks Are Critical

Newly installed sod in Calgary requires intensive watering in the first 14 days after installation to establish root contact with the underlying soil. Sod installed on a dry or desiccated base will not root — the grass blades will appear to be alive for 7-10 days (drawing on stored energy in the root mat) and then die rapidly when stored energy is depleted. The irrigation schedule for newly installed Calgary sod is significantly more intensive than a normal lawn watering schedule and must be maintained regardless of City of Calgary watering restrictions, which provide a 14-day new sod exemption from the odd/even day restriction.

Newly Installed Sod Irrigation Schedule for Calgary

These volumes are significantly higher than normal lawn watering because freshly laid sod loses moisture from both the top (sun and wind exposure) and the cut bottom surface. Calgary summer conditions with Chinook winds can desiccate unwatered new sod within hours in July and August.

Calgary Irrigation System Adjustment for New Sod

If a Calgary home has an existing irrigation system and new sod is being installed, the irrigation controller must be reprogrammed for the new sod establishment schedule before installation begins. Many Calgary homeowners make the mistake of continuing to run the normal mid-summer schedule when new sod is laid in July or August — the normal schedule waters every 2-3 days at 20-30 mm, which is inadequate for sod establishment in Calgary heat conditions.

J&G Irrigation provides sod watering schedule programming as a standalone service — $85 service call to reprogram an existing controller for the sod establishment schedule and transition back to the normal schedule at day 30. This simple service has prevented hundreds of failed sod installations for Calgary clients. Call 587-433-4795.