When you’ve invested in fresh landscaping—whether new plants, a sod lawn, or freshly seeded grass—nothing protects that investment like a smart watering setup. New landscapes are thirsty, and getting their watering just right is the difference between a garden that thrives and one that struggles. Our recommendation? A reliable sprinkler and timer combination that does the heavy lifting for you, ensuring everything gets the right amount of water on time, every time. For years, our top pick for the best sprinkler and timer setup for new landscaping has been the Orbit H2O-6 Spike Lawn Sprinkler paired with the Orbit 1-Output Digital Hose-End Timer. Together, they provide consistent, efficient watering, perfect for helping your new lawn or plants settle in beautifully.
Ready to set up your landscape for success? Let’s walk through why these tools are a game-changer for new landscaping, and how to get them working for you.
Why Proper Watering is Key for New Landscaping
Watering might seem simple, but it’s the most crucial factor in helping new plants and lawns establish themselves. Here’s why:
- For New Plants: Consistent, even watering supports root development. Without it, plants can struggle to absorb nutrients and may dry out quickly.
- For Sod and Seeding: Both sod and seed need a lot of moisture at first, but they also need even, controlled watering. Too much water can wash away seeds, while too little can leave sod patches dry and stressed.
Getting the right balance is essential, and that’s where an efficient sprinkler and timer come into play.
Our Recommended Sprinkler: Orbit H2O-6 Spike Lawn Sprinkler
Features and Benefits
The Orbit H2O-6 Spike Lawn Sprinkler is a powerful little tool, delivering just the right amount of coverage and control. Here’s what makes it a standout:
- Large Coverage: With a range of up to 5,000 square feet, it’s great for lawns of almost any size and ideal for covering planting beds, newly seeded areas, or fresh sod.
- Adjustable Settings: You can set the spray rotation and distance, tailoring it to specific areas. This helps prevent over-watering in smaller zones and ensures even coverage across larger areas.
- Sturdy Spike Base: The spike base means it anchors easily into the ground, staying stable and positioned exactly where you need it.
Why It Works Well for New Landscaping
Whether you’re watering new plantings, sod, or a seeded lawn, the Orbit H2O-6 provides an even, gentle spray that mimics natural rainfall. New plants love this because they need moist, not drenched, soil. The sprinkler’s adjustable settings mean you can set it up for different sections of your yard, so new plants and sod each get the right level of hydration.
Tips for Optimal Use
- Positioning: Place the sprinkler in the center of the area you want to cover. Adjust the rotation to cover your entire new lawn or bed without overreaching onto hardscapes.
- Best Times to Water: For maximum effectiveness, water early in the morning or late in the evening. This allows the soil to absorb moisture before the heat of the day causes evaporation.
Our Recommended Timer: Orbit 1-Output Digital Hose-End Timer
Features and Benefits
This Orbit timer is simple yet effective, providing reliable control over watering schedules. Here’s why it’s perfect for new landscapes:
- Easy Programming: The digital display is easy to read, and programming the schedule is simple, even if you’re new to timers.
- Customizable Schedules: It’s easy to set up watering times that suit different needs—ideal for busy homeowners who don’t want to remember daily watering.
- Battery-Powered Convenience: With no wiring required, setup is straightforward, and you’re free to position it wherever it’s needed.
How It Simplifies Watering for New Landscaping
Having a set-it-and-forget-it watering schedule means your new lawn and plants get exactly the amount of water they need without you having to watch the clock. For new sod and seed, this is especially helpful because they need frequent, shallow watering at first to help roots establish. For new plant beds, the timer ensures consistent watering, avoiding the risk of dry patches or oversaturated soil.
Tips for Setting Up the Timer
- Programming: For new sod, program the timer to water multiple times a day for shorter durations. For seeded lawns, use a similar approach, keeping the soil moist but not soaked.
- Adjust for Season and Weather: As temperatures cool, consider scaling back the watering frequency. And remember, rain or extreme heat may call for temporary adjustments.
Setting Up Your Sprinkler and Timer for New Plantings, Sod, and Seeding
Step 1: Connecting the Timer and Sprinkler
- Attach the timer to your outdoor faucet and then connect your garden hose to the timer.
- Position the sprinkler in the area you want to water and adjust the settings to cover that zone.
Step 2: Programming the Timer
- For new sod, set the timer for shorter, more frequent sessions (e.g., 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times per day) to keep the soil consistently moist.
- For seeded lawns, set a similar schedule, and then gradually reduce the frequency as the grass begins to grow.
- For new plants, you may only need to water once or twice daily, depending on the type of plants and soil type.
Step 3: Adjusting for Coverage
- Use the Orbit sprinkler’s adjustable settings to ensure every corner of the planting bed or lawn is reached without creating soggy spots.
- For planting beds, check periodically to ensure that the water is soaking down to the roots without pooling on the surface.
Additional Watering Tips for New Landscaping
- Gradually Reduce Watering: As sod or seed establishes, reduce watering frequency but increase duration to encourage deeper root growth.
- Consider Plant Type: Some new plants require more moisture than others. Pay attention to specific needs based on the varieties in your landscape.
- Monitor Soil Moisture: The first few weeks are crucial for new plants and lawns, so check soil moisture regularly by pushing your finger about 1 inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
Why We Trust This Setup for Our Clients
At our landscaping company, we believe that quality products make all the difference. The Orbit H2O-6 Spike Lawn Sprinkler and Orbit 1-Output Digital Timer have been tested in countless projects, and they consistently deliver. They’re durable, easy to use, and make managing a watering schedule a breeze, even for a homeowner new to landscaping. This setup saves time and supports healthy growth for your new lawn, plants, and flowers.
Setting up the best sprinkler and timer setup for new landscaping doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is essential for the health of your new plants and lawn. With this Orbit sprinkler and timer, you can automate the watering process, protect your investment, and enjoy a beautiful, thriving yard. Remember, we’re always here to answer questions or help with your landscape needs. Just reach out if you need a hand—or a bit of extra advice—as you nurture your new landscape into something truly beautiful.
Allentuck Landscaping Company is Your Residential Landscape Company
Phone: 301-515-1900
At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.
The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Company, we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.
Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences
Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Travilah, Damascus, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick and Washington DC.
Allentuck Landscaping Co. is a proud member of the National Association of Landscape Professionals and MyLandscapeAcademy.