Proper watering will ensure a lawn that is deeply rooted and drought tolerant. If you water correctly, you can get by with watering less often.
How Difficult Can It Be?
Watering is not hard, but some understanding helps. If you apply only a little water every few days, you will moisten the soil only 1/2 to 1 inch deep, and that's where the roots will be. However, if you water deeply and less often, the roots will grow several inches deep, and they'll stay moist there for a longer period of time. This will help to ensure a healthier lawn.
How Do I Know When to Water?
Newly installed sod needs to be watered immediately after installation.
Wait until you see signs of stress in your lawn before you water. If footprints remain in the turf, the blades are too limp to spring back. Also, a grayish cast to the lawn indicates that it is dry and needs water. Ideally, watering should be done as early as possible in the cool of the day (6AM to 10AM).