New Sod Maintenance Guide
Watering your New Sod
Proper watering is essential to ensure even root development for new sod. For the first two weeks, water heavy once a day, to promote deep rooting. Be sure to peel a corner back to see that the soil is becoming saturated as well. Once the grass is rooted into the soil (can’t be pulled up from the ground) you can decrease the amount of water per application and begin a routine watering schedule. If you don’t have an irrigation system installed, no problem, a sprinkler or an overlapping pattern of sprinklers can be set up and moved throughout your property and be just as effective.
Things to watch for: (see below)
Dark spots during hot weather indicate the plant is wilting. Increase watering in those areas by either increasing irrigation time or spot treating with a garden hose. Soak the wilted areas to bring the moisture levels back up, the sod should start to bounce back right away.
2. Mushrooms will grow in the new sod when you over water. Not to worry though, reduce irrigation times until they subside. They won’t harm your lawn, they will just get mowed off at the next mowing.
3. Separating seams indicates that there is a lack of water. Increase watering times and tuck the seams back together. If the sod is already rooted, mix some seed and soil and put in the seams as needed.
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Fertilizing guide
Fertilizer applications are critical to the development of a healthy established lawn. Your new sod should be fertilized with a slow release fertilizer approximately 3-4 times per growing season. Please read all of the fertilizer labels and application rate charts thoroughly, MORE IS NOT BETTER!
An application of a slow release fertilizer should be applied to the new sod 30-45 days after install. The most important fertilizing times are: In the spring as soil temps warm up, the beginning of June, and during the months of September and October. Finally, a winter fertilizer should be applied before the ground freezes, typically mid-late November.
Avoid overlapping when fertilizing, make the first pass, turn left or right, walk three paces and turn back toward the starting point, follow that rule for each pass until you cover the entire area. Overlapping can cause a burn and/or darker green stripes in the grass. Making passes too far apart will have the opposite effect, there will be lighter green spots after the product activates.
These fertility requirements provide the nutrients for growth and the ability to protect the lawn from diseases, fungal problems, and insect infestation.
NOTE: Putting fertilizer on the soil won’t help, it will be washed in with irrigation water and be unusable to the plant.
If you are unsure which equipment to use, or which fertilizer products to purchase, please don’t hesitate to call us or purchase those products directly from us.
Mowing your new sod
Once the grass is rooted into the soil (can’t be pulled up off the ground), the first mowing can occur. The first mowing is typically 10-14 days after installation. Mow when the grass reaches a height longer than 3”, removing no more than a third of the plant at a time.
After this initial mowing, you can maintain your lawn at a height of 2 1/2”- 3” throughout the property. Cutting the grass shorter than this will sacrifice root penetration and weaken your lawn (the root system accommodates the height of the leaf blade). The higher the cutting height, the deeper the roots develop. This will create a thicker, healthier lawn.
NOTE: If you notice any sod lifting up while mowing for the first time, hold off until it is rooted a bit more.
If you have some wilted areas during hotter weather, avoid those areas with your mower until the sod recovers.
