Installing quality sod will complement your new landscape with an instantly lush and beautiful lawn. However, its long-term health and appearance rely on allowing the root system to establish itself and grow. Want to keep your new lawn green and gorgeous? Read on to learn more about caring for new sod.
Watering New Sod
Properly watering your new lawn is the key to its establishment, growth, and longevity. Your landscaping contractor can help outline a watering schedule, as it will depend greatly on the soil type of your yard, your irrigation system, and the climate. However, these tips will provide a general guideline.
Watering Tips
- Water the soil before installation to prevent it from pulling moisture from the sod’s roots
- Water the new sod within an hour of initial installation
- Lightly water the sod 2–3 times per day (more for clay soil) for the first two weeks
- Only provide enough water to wet the roots to prevent rotting and disease
- Start your daily watering schedule just after sunrise and stop around sundown
- Make sure the watering is uniform and reaches all areas of the new lawn evenly
Allowing it to Establish Itself
The roots of sod are short and very fragile. Until they properly establish themselves, you must keep ALL traffic (kids, pets, etc.) off and continue your consistent watering schedule. The first time anyone steps on the new lawn should be the initial mowing. That can be anywhere from 2–5 weeks, and only once the roots have established. To check, try (gently) pulling up a piece of sod to see if it’s tightly adhered to the topsoil.
When it’s time for the first mow, set the mowing height to remove no more than 1/3 of the grass blade to prevent scalping. Gradually take it down from there with consecutive mows until you reach the desired height.
Fertilizing Your New Lawn
Again, the roots of sod are very short and unable to properly absorb nutrients. Avoid fertilizing your new lawn until the root system has fully established. Additionally, extra fertilizer during this period won’t be necessary as sod is typically fertilized before harvest. If/when you decide to fertilize, be sure it matches your yard’s soil type.
Trust the Landscaping Experts at Spear’s
Enjoying a beautiful, freshly installed lawn is easy. Making it last takes continuous time and effort. By using this guideline to care for your new sod, you’ll ensure your lawn takes root and stays healthy and lush for the years to come. Have questions or seeking professional advice? The landscaping experts at Spear’s Landscape have extensive experience with installing the highest quality sod and plant material and are here to help.
Contact us today to learn more.