New seed/sod Care

Watering

• Days 1–14: Water 2–3 times daily for 5–60 min (depending on space, sun, and sprinkler type) to keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy, yet no dry spots).

• Weeks 3–4: Once your grass reaches 2.5–3 inches, reduce to once per day. Begin tapering to every other day.

• After 4 weeks: Transition to deep, infrequent watering—2–3 times per week.

Water very early in the morning to reduce evaporation and avoid root rot.
Adjust your schedule seasonally to match temperature and rainfall.

Mowing

• Begin mowing when grass reaches 3–4 inches and the soil feels firm—not soggy.

• For those first few mowings, skip the fancy stripes—keep it simple and limit foot traffic. 👣🚫

• Mow high, mow often: Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade.

• Taller grass encourages deeper roots and better drought resistance.

Fun Fact: Weeds fear mowing. Grass thrives on it. Just don’t cut it too short!

Fertilizing

• Fertilize 4–6 weeks after seed or sod installation.

• After that, follow a seasonal fertilizing plan that suits your soil type and lawn goals.

• For weed control, wait until after you’ve mowed 2–3 times before applying any treatments.

Note: We don’t offer fertilization services directly at this time, but we're happy to recommend tips!

Get to KNow Your irrigation controller

Tip: Test your system monthly to ensure all zones are functioning properly.

Watering Best Practices

• Water very early in the morning to reduce evaporation, try to avoid watering early evening as this can increase the risk of rot from being too wet for too long.

• Avoid watering every day (on established lawns)—aim for deep, infrequent watering (2–3 times/week).

  • For new seed/sod, see the “New Seed/Sod Care” section.

• Adjust your schedule seasonally to match temperature and rainfall.

Winterizing & Spring Start-Up

Winterizing

Your sprinkler system is a major investment, and Iowa winters are no joke. When temperatures drop below freezing, any water left in your system’s pipes, valves, or heads can expand—and that expansion leads to cracked pipes, broken fittings, damaged backflow preventers, and costly repairs come spring.

A proper winterization isn’t just “turning it off.” It involves using a step-by-step process, ensuring water is fully cleared from underground lines and above-ground components alike. Some systems require a blow-out with an air compressor, while most newer residential irrigation systems are self-drain.

Without this process, even brand-new systems are vulnerable to freeze damage that often isn't covered by warranty.

Bottom line: A brief fall winterizing appointment could save you hundreds (or even thousands) in spring repairs.

Spring Start-Up

Your sprinkler system has been dormant all winter, and when it’s time to start watering again, it pays to do it right. Our Spring Start-Up service includes:

• Inspecting each zone for leaks, clogs, or freeze damage

• Adjusting spray heads and coverage based on plant growth or changes to your landscape

• Testing valves and pressure to ensure peak performance

This service helps prevent overwatering, dead spots, and unnecessary water waste—setting your lawn up for a healthy growing season.

Whether your system is brand new or a few years old, spring start-up keeps everything working efficiently and protects your investment.

Sign up for our Irrigation yearly services

We’re glad you’re thinking ahead! Our sprinkler system Spring Startups and Fall Winterizing services help protect your lawn investment and keep things running smoothly.

Because each system is unique, pricing can vary based on system size, age, accessibility, and condition. Most services typically fall between $100–$250. Please note: this does not include any significant repairs that may need to be made (replacing damaged sprinkler heads, wiring, pipe, etc.) Once we review your details, we’ll provide an estimate before any work is done.

Fill out the form below to get on our list—we’ll contact you when scheduling begins for your area!