With summer heat drawing near and Stage 3 watering rules still in place, it’s best to hold off putting in new sod.
While we’ve received terrific rainfall lately, the Edwards Aquifer level has a long way to go before Stage 3 watering rules can change.
Many homeowners are looking to replace grass sod that was damaged or killed by seven years of drought. And many landscapers may pitch these projects to you, offering to install sod. But that’s not a good idea during Stage 3 watering rules — because watering variances are not available for most grass installations.
Freshly laid turfgrass sod typically requires daily watering for two weeks, and additional watering (more than once per week) for three more weeks. Five weeks of extra watering. And all of that is in direct violation of the Stage 3 watering rules, which allows watering only one day a week on your designated day.
If you’re thinking the answer is a landscape variance permit, keep in mind these are not available for most existing landscapes during Stage 3.
Projects that don’t qualify for landscape variances:
- Replacing sod or plants that have been killed or damaged by drought, freeze, insects or disease.
- Planting grass seeds to fill in areas where existing grass coverage is sparse.
- Projects where an irrigation system is repaired or installed in existing sod.
- Watering-in topsoil or compost top dressing.
Projects that are eligible for landscape variance permits include:
- Newly installed landscaping at newly constructed homes.
- A construction project at an existing location that results in damage or destruction of at least 50 percent of the existing landscape.
- Examples include foundation leveling, pool installation, roof installation/replacement, septic tank replacement/repairs. (Applicants must provide during and after photos of the project.)
When approved, variance permits can last for up to five weeks from the date of installation (depending on the date of application). However, they don’t allow sprinklers or irrigation to be used on the weekend, and water waste from runoff from overwatering or soil saturation is prohibited. Violations can result in cancellation of the variance and a non-compliance charge on the water bill.
Variance or not, watering to establish new landscapes is not discounted and must be paid at the same rates as normal — so be prepared for a much higher than usual water bill.
