Installing new sod is an exorbitant project for any homeowner. After the initial project is complete the work has just begun. Taking care of your new lawn is just as important as the proper installation of the sod. Check out our blog on HOW TO INSTALL SOD for details on proper installation. Lets take a look at the steps necessary to make your yard look like the Augusta National!
Watering
Often times watering can be overlooked when installing Sod on your property. Even though your lawn looks green and healthy right off the bat, it requires even more water than regular seed or hydroseed. It is crucial to have the proper watering schedule so that your Sod does not dry out due to heat or dry spells.
After the Sod is laid it is recommend to apply a minimum of an inch of water within the first 30 minutes. This helps soak the topsoil underneath the lawn to help activate deep root systems. Ideally 3-4″ below the surface should be moist from the initial watering. Over the next two weeks watering is crucial to maintain moisture. Sod should be watered twice a day, once in the morning and then once in afternoon. Watering during the evening is frowned upon due to the potential of water sitting on the lawn leading to fungus and other diseases. When watering it is necessary to soak the lawn, but there should not be any puddling or pooling on the lawn. Watering near buildings and the edges of the lawn are especially critical as these are the areas that tend to dry out the quickest.
Around 2 weeks after installation (weather permitting) the watering schedule can be dialed back. At this point, less frequent and deeper watering is required. Soaking the lawn allows for the roots to grow deeper and make the lawn less susceptible to a drought.
Mowing
After 1-2 weeks of watering it is time to mow your new lawn! The lawn should be mowed on the highest setting using a push mower with sharp blades. It is not necessary to bag the clippings ad the recycled clippings provide much needed nutrients for the devolving lawn. When mowing you never want to cut more than 1/3 of the blade of grass. After about 3-4 weeks after installation regular mowing can resume.
As the lawn is still developing its root systems it is vital to avoid any heavy usage. Riding lawn mowers should be avoided for the first few mows. Running, shearing and playing should be avoided until the lawn is fully established. This usually occurs 4-6 weeks after the installation of the new lawn.
Fertilization
Proper fertilization is important to maintain a beautiful and healthy lawn. Any sort of fertilization should wait at least 5 weeks after new Sod is installed. Fertilization is recommend 3-4 times throughout the growing season. A good guideline on when to fertilize is early spring, Memorial day, Labor Day & Halloween. Proper chemical usage and application is determined on a case by case basis. Consult with a fertilization expert before applying any chemicals on your new Sod.
Following these maintenance tips will allow your lawn to flourish for years to come! Our Team at Double A Landscaping will help guide your in the right direction for any of your lawn care needs. From Sod Installation to regular lawn maintenance we are able to assist you in having the best lawn on the block!
Give us a call today to discuss how our team can help you! 716-598-9933