Correct Watering for New Zenith Zoysia Sod

Overwatering Causes Root Rot, Not Establishment

New sod needs 1 inch of water per 1,000 sq ft initially (≈600 gallons). For 6,500 sq ft, that's ~3,900 gallons—matching your meter. But that's a one-time soaking.

After the First Week

Reduce to ¼–½ inch per watering, just enough to keep soil moist until roots knit (2–3 weeks). Daily 4,000-gallon cycles will suffocate roots and invite disease.

Transition to Normal Schedule

Once rooted, water deeply but infrequently (1 inch per week). See Sod Watering Guide for details.