QuestionQUESTION: I live in the high desert of Southern California where an overnight low is usually about 20 degrees. I bought my house in October and it had just gotten new sod. I really don't want the grass to die. How much and when should I be watering 2 month old sod during the winter?
ANSWER: You do not say what type of lawn grass you have. If it is one that goes dormant in the winter, then very little water is needed - once every two weeks is my suggestion. For more accurate information, please contact your County Extension Office.
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QUESTION: The sod was put in before I purchased the house. I don't know what kind it is. How would I be able to tell and how much and what times of day do I water if it doesn't go dormant?
Answer Take a chunk of sod out of the lawn and have it identified at a garden center, nursery or Extension Office. I use a sharp spade and cut out a square of sod, deep enough that I can remove it cleanly and intact. If you get it identified quickly (same day) you can put it back in place and water it in; it should patch in neatly.
If the grass does not go dormant, water it after you mow it, for half as much time as normal.
