Starting a lawn can be challenging, especially since you have to maintain adequate watering levels to build strong healthy roots. You have to water daily to provide the volume and consistency necessary. Watering large areas, like an entire lawn, by hand isn’t efficient or effective.
Sprinklers support new grass and sod by delivering even coverage and sufficient water. Not all sprinklers offer the same coverage ranges or flow, so it’s important to find a reliable product that meets your lawn’s needs.
I tested several products to assess coverage, usability, and effectiveness to find the best sprinklers for new grass seed and sod. Let’s take a look at our top picks and what makes them stand out from the competition.
Best Sprinklers New Grass Seed and Sod
If you’re in a rush to select the best sprinkler for new grass seed and sod, here’s a roundup of our top three picks. I found all three performed well in my yard.
Best Sprinkler Overall
1. Eden Metal 2-Way Oscillating Sprinkler for Lawn
Easy to set up, oscillating sprinkler with heavy-duty metal base for stability and adjustable range and flow to maximize coverage.
Best For Large Areas
2. Eden Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with 3-Way Adj
Three-way adjustable oscillating sprinkler to customize spray area and flow to fit your yard.
Best Budget Sprinkler
1. Aqua Joe Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler
No frills sprinkler with indestructible metal base and leak-resistant connectors.
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Choosing Sprinklers for New Grass
Selecting the best sprinkler for your new grass or sod might seem like a minefield with so many products out there. So how do you know which is the best sprinkler to use when working with grass seed? Well, there are a few things we need to consider to help us narrow down the options.
While your seed or sod needs enough water to survive and thrive, you don’t want puddles or dry spots leaving you with an uneven lawn. So choosing a sprinkler design that covers the area evenly, and works with your home’s water pressure is the key.
Light Shower Spray Pattern
Heavy water flow might work with an established lawn, getting deep into the soil and down to the grass root system. But when trying to grow from seed, heavy water low will wash away damage to your delicate seeds, and leave your yard a muddy mess.
When you’re working with new grass seed, it’s important to use a light spray pattern to soak the soil without making a mess. In an ideal world, you would use a mist to keep the soil moisture levels just right without disturbing the germinating seeds.
New grass and sod require regular, even watering that doesn’t create puddles or mud. Overwatering won’t give you a lusher lawn or speed up grass growth, it will simply create a mess.
Oscillating Sprinkle
Choosing an oscillating sprinkler is a great option. It distributes water evenly as the rotating arm shifts and they generally offer a wide range of spray patterns. Many oscillating sprinklers have several adjustable features so that you can customize the coverage area as well as the water flow.
Adjustable Spray Pattern
Adjustable spray patterns are helpful if you have a smaller or odd-shaped area to cover. Instead of wasting water on the sidewalk or the side of the house, you can adjust the spray pattern to only cover a set area. It saves water, ensures better coverage for your target space, and avoids hitting unwanted sections.
Sprinkler Durability
Who wants to invest in a sprinkler that won’t last long enough to see your grass seed through germination? Metal components tend to last longer than plastic pieces, but that doesn’t mean you have to get an entirely metal one.
Many durable sprinklers combine metal and plastic components to create an affordable yet durable product. It’s a good idea to check over product reviews to see what other users have to say about long-term use. The ones I tested and included in my list below all held up well. The others get pushed aside and they felt destined to fail over time with just moderate use.
Quality Connectors and Seals
Metal connectors hold up better than plastic parts that can break. That said, some metals can rust whereas heavy-duty plastic won’t. Look for sprinklers with quality connections and leak-proof designs, ideally, zinc or brass fitting will last best. Some even have locking mechanisms that snap into place to form a better seal.
Do You Have Low Water Pressure?
Low water pressure at your spigot can be frustrating, and impact any sprinkler’s capabilities. Several factors can influence the water pressure to your garden hose, and many of them are fixable. Start by testing your water pressure to make sure it falls in the 45 to 55 psi range. It shouldn’t go over 70 psi because that could cause substantial damage.
If your water pressure is lower than normal, you have options. Check for the most common issues with water pressure and see if you can identify the issue. Note that you might need to contact a professional to correct some problems, like corroded pipes.
Best Sprinklers for New Grass Seed
I spent time testing several sprinklers to see how they handled new grass and sod. After considering adjustability, performance, and durability, I found that these are the best sprinklers for new grass seed and sod.
To balance my experiments, I did follow with research on my top choices to see what others had to say about them as well. My findings seemed to match up closely with experiences reported by others.
1. Eden Metal 2-Way Oscillating Sprinkler for Lawn
Best Sprinkler Overall
- Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
- Area Covered: up to 4,300 square feet
- Material: Brass, Metal
- Connectors: Plastic
Pros
- Adjustable range and flow to ensure maximum coverage
- A heavy-duty metal base provides stability
- Turbo motor operates smoothly and lasts longer
Cons
- No built-in timer included
The Eden 96215 two-way oscillating sprinkler is a durable, sturdy choice for lawns. Its metal base is sturdy and prevents flipping or sliding across the lawn while it works. It is rust-resistant and features a turbo motor that helps the sprinkler operate smoothly and last longer.
Not only is it easy to connect with the Quick Connect Starter Set, but it also has a locking mechanism on the connector to prevent leaks at the water source. The Quick Connect set also allows you to use other tools, like a timer.
You can adjust the water flow with a knob to project less water over a larger space or more water over a smaller area. Additionally, a sliding tab allows you to alter the range to accommodate wider or narrower spaces. You can also set the sprinkler to rotate halfway to concentrate on set areas.
The only drawback I found with this one was the lack of a built-in timer. You either need to watch it closely to turn the sprinkler on and off or purchase an external timer.
2. Eden Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with 3-Way Adj
Best For Large Areas
- Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
- Area Covered: up to 4,973 square feet
- Material: Metal, Plastic
- Connectors: Plastic
Pros
- Adjustable three ways for custom coverage
- Leak-proof connector
- Sealed turbo drive resists dirt buildup and clogs
Cons
- No built-in timer
- A lot of plastic components
This Eden oscillating sprinkler has three adjustment options for the ultimate custom coverage. On top of adjusting the range and water flow, you can choose from three different spray widths to fit your area.
The metal base holds the sprinkler steady while it does the work, even at the maximum settings. It features the Quick Connect Starter Set to ensure a stable, leak-resistant connection with your water source.
Like the two-way version, this Eden sprinkler doesn’t have a built-in timer. It is compatible with several external timers, or you can monitor your lawn and turn it on and off as needed.
The other downside of this variation is that it has a lot of plastic components that may not last as long as metal pieces. However, the additional adjustment might be worth it to get a custom spray and optimal coverage for your new grass seed or sod.
3. Aqua Joe Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler
Best Budget Sprinkler
- Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
- Area Covered: up to 3,600 square feet
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Connectors: Metal
Pros
- Indestructible metal base
- The connector is compatible with all standard garden hoses
- The adjustable range reaches up to 70 feet
Cons
- Unlikely to last as long as the Eden sprinkler, as its slightly less durable
This budget-friendly option delivers excellent coverage in a sturdy sprinkler without breaking the bank. It’s an attractive, low-profile sprinkler that has some high-end features.
Though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you get with some other models, the Aqua Joe does have an adjustable range to get the distance you need without overdoing it. That means you don’t have to worry about watering the driveway or the side of your house instead of your lawn.
This Aqua Joe comes with a cleaning tool to clear away any debris in the nozzles. It also connects to any standard gardening hose without needing an adapter.
The downside of this sprinkler is that it may not hold up as long as I would like. While the base is metal and quite sturdy, there are several plastic parts that might not survive extensive use. That said, if you’re looking for a reasonably priced sprinkler for new grass seed and sod, you may not need it to last multiple years.
- Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
- Area Covered: up to 3,900 square feet
- Material: Polypropylene
- Connectors: Plastic
Pros
- Adjustable ranges cover from 96 square feet up to 3900 square feet
- Feet on the bottom of the base and metal parts for support
- Frost and UV-resistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires high water pressure to reach maximum
Gardena is a German company that specializes in high-quality products, including this adjustable, oscillating sprinkler. It’s a chic, low-profile design with unique features that deliver, like the small feet on the bottom for stability.
Another unique feature is the special connector that locks into place to prevent leaking. The push-and-click system is easy to connect and disconnect from your garden hose.
It’s also easy to adjust the range and flow to accommodate your needs. A slider adjusts the range to the proper distance so that you only water the lawn. Plus, you can alter the spray pattern with the built-in dial so that you can give the yard a soaking or a lighter coating.
Unfortunately, all of these perks come with a hefty price tag that might make you think twice. Also, I did find mention of poor performance with weaker water pressure. I didn’t notice any issues in my tests, though.
- Sprinkler Type: Oscillating
- Area Covered: up to 4,000 square feet
- Material: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
- Connectors: Plastic
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Four-way adjustment to work in any space
- QuickConnect adapter for easy setup
Cons
- It’s not as durable as other options
The Melnor MiniMax is a powerful little sprinkler that is ideal for odd-shaped lawns or difficult spaces with many obstacles. The low-profile piece covers as much or more square footage as larger sprinklers.
One of the other perks is that this sprinkler has four adjustment options to create a custom spray area in nearly any circumstance. While the other sprinklers on this list let you adjust range, water flow, and even width, the MiniMax also rotates 360° to get the ideal coverage area.
Though the sprinkler is smaller, it has a sealed turbo-drive motor to prevent clogs. It’s also easy to hook up to your garden hose with the QuickConnect adapter that’s leak resistant.
The downside is that it’s all plastic, meaning it may not hold up as well as other products. It’s also small with tiny knobs and switches that may snap off.
Benefits of Sprinkling New Grass Seed
Some people might feel comfortable watering new grass seeds by hand, but there are some notable benefits to using a sprinkler instead. If you’re trying to decide between watering it yourself and using a sprinkler, consider these three key benefits.
Controlled Spray Patterns
Even the steadiest hand and most detail-oriented person will struggle to spray water evenly with a hose. Plus, if you have a large area, you have to figure out how to reach everything without stomping on your seed or sod.
A sprinkler delivers even spray over a set area without damaging the fragile seeds or sod. It’s easy to set the spray to cover a designated space, and you can even use more than one sprinkler for larger areas.
Timesaving
Think about the time you can save with a sprinkler! You can set it up, turn it on, and work on something else instead of standing there watering it by hand. For ultimate time-saving, get a water timer to schedule watering start and stop times. Considering you need to water new grass seeds frequently, this automated watering will bring huge time savings.
Lower Water Consumption
Using a sprinkler can save you water too. You can direct sprinklers to spray set areas, you can reduce water waste lost on walkways, driveways, and buildings. Plus, sprinklers use consistent water pressure that’s almost impossible to mimic when watering by hand, so you don’t waste anything trying to cover the entire space.
Water conservation is another reason to use a water timer. Set the timer to water during the ideal times of day, morning and evening, to ensure the soil gets what it needs and nothing more.
Verdict: Best Sprinklers for Grass Seed or Sod
Hopefully, you now have the knowledge you need to choose the best sprinkler for new grass seed and sod.
Best Sprinkler Overall
Eden Metal 2-Way Oscillating Sprinkler for Lawn
Easy to set up, oscillating sprinkler with heavy-duty metal base for stability and adjustable range and flow to maximize coverage.
I recommend the Eden Metal Two-Way Oscillating Sprinkler as the best overall choice because it’s the ideal balance of durability and performance. It covers up to 4,300 square feet but you can adjust it for smaller spaces.
Best For Large Areas
Eden Metal Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler with 3-Way Adj
Three-way adjustable oscillating sprinkler to customize spray area and flow to fit your yard.
Best Budget Sprinkler
Aqua Joe Metal Base Oscillating Sprinkler
No frills sprinkler with indestructible metal base and leak-resistant connectors.
FAQ Lawn Sprinklers for New Lawn
Below is the most common question people ask about sprinklers and new grass seeds.
