Caring For Your Newly Laid Sod
New Sod Watering
The key to establishing new sod is to keep it properly watered for the first month. Immediately after installing sod, water thoroughly making it spongy to the step. The new sod should be kept thoroughly wet to a depth of 4" to 6" and watered 3 to 5 times a day during the first 7 to 14 days depending on the season. Lift a corner of the sod to determine the depth of moisture. The first week, it is very important to keep the new sod damp. During this time stay off the sod so it can take root and you do not sink in and leave depressions from your foot steps. During hot weather, sprinklers should run several times a day so the new sod never dries out. If allowed to dry out the sod will shrink, brown and can die. The roots of your new sod will penetrate the soil faster and root down sooner if properly watered. At the end of week 2, dry up the yard enough so you can mow.
The following 2 weeks are used to transition from frequent daily watering to fewer watering cycles per day and increase the number of days between watering. During week 3, start reducing watering to 1-3 times per day and skip a day between watering if new sod is not drying out. By week 4, water 1-2 times every other day. After week 4, your new yard should be ready to go 2-3 days between watering. Water your lawn in the evening, night and early morning when less evaporation occurs. To reduce run-off on hills and promote deep root growth, reduce watering times in half. One hour later, run the irrigation cycle again and apply the rest of the water. This allows the water to soak into heavy soils.
The key to establishing new sod is to keep it properly watered for the first month. Immediately after installing sod, water thoroughly making it spongy to the step. The new sod should be kept thoroughly wet to a depth of 4" to 6" and watered 3 to 5 times a day during the first 7 to 14 days depending on the season. Lift a corner of the sod to determine the depth of moisture. The first week, it is very important to keep the new sod damp. During this time stay off the sod so it can take root and you do not sink in and leave depressions from your foot steps. During hot weather, sprinklers should run several times a day so the new sod never dries out. If allowed to dry out the sod will shrink, brown and can die. The roots of your new sod will penetrate the soil faster and root down sooner if properly watered. At the end of week 2, dry up the yard enough so you can mow.
The following 2 weeks are used to transition from frequent daily watering to fewer watering cycles per day and increase the number of days between watering. During week 3, start reducing watering to 1-3 times per day and skip a day between watering if new sod is not drying out. By week 4, water 1-2 times every other day. After week 4, your new yard should be ready to go 2-3 days between watering. Water your lawn in the evening, night and early morning when less evaporation occurs. To reduce run-off on hills and promote deep root growth, reduce watering times in half. One hour later, run the irrigation cycle again and apply the rest of the water. This allows the water to soak into heavy soils.
First Mowing
Your new lawn should be mowed at the end of week 2. If your new lawn reaches over 3 1/2”, mow off a third of the length even if it has not been two weeks. Do not cut shorter than 2" for the first few times mowing. Exercise caution the first time you mow so you do not damage or pull up the sod.
Your new lawn should be mowed at the end of week 2. If your new lawn reaches over 3 1/2”, mow off a third of the length even if it has not been two weeks. Do not cut shorter than 2" for the first few times mowing. Exercise caution the first time you mow so you do not damage or pull up the sod.
Fertilizing
You can fertilize your new sod within a day of your first mow. Fertilize it with around 10 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1,000 sq. ft. Water well after applying fertilizer following the watering schedule above.
You can fertilize your new sod within a day of your first mow. Fertilize it with around 10 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 1,000 sq. ft. Water well after applying fertilizer following the watering schedule above.
Yearly Care Of Your Lawn
Early Spring (Early March to early April)
Feeding & Weed Control: Apply a weed and feed type fertilizer.
Summer (Late June, early July)
Don't apply fertilizers or weed killers during this period. When watering is required, water heavily to promote deep root development.
Fall (Early September)
Lawn Feeding Time: Fertilize with 15 pounds of 10-10-10 per 1,000 sq. foot. Repeat this in around six weeks (Mid October).
Winter (Mid December)
Promote root activity with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (46-0-0). Apply at 2-3 lb. per 1,000 sq. foot.
Feeding & Weed Control: Apply a weed and feed type fertilizer.
Summer (Late June, early July)
Don't apply fertilizers or weed killers during this period. When watering is required, water heavily to promote deep root development.
Fall (Early September)
Lawn Feeding Time: Fertilize with 15 pounds of 10-10-10 per 1,000 sq. foot. Repeat this in around six weeks (Mid October).
Winter (Mid December)
Promote root activity with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (46-0-0). Apply at 2-3 lb. per 1,000 sq. foot.
