Sod is perishable to make sure to lay it down immediately after receiving. Follow it up with deep watering because heat can build up within a roll, possibly damaging turf. After rolling, start irrigation six inches down into the soil until it’s soft to walk on.
While it’s tempting to use your lawn right after installation, the sod needs to root first. That’s why you have to avoid heavy foot traffic and activities until the root system establishes properly.
2 Weeks After Installation
After installation, you probably ask yourself, “How can I keep my sod From drying out?”
On the first few days, your newly installed sod is similar to a baby that needs tender care and observation. In addition to this guide, it’s always best to understand your sod’s variety so that you can take care of your lawn better, even in the years to come.
Here are some steps on caring for your newly installed sod to prevent drying out and ensure success:
1. Water your sod at least once daily for about 15 minutes. If your sprinkler gives off lighter water spray, increase it to 20 minutes. Water your sod twice each day if you reside in a region with an average temperature of over 65 degrees every day.
If you’re unsure if you’re giving enough hydration to your sod, lift a corner of the sod and inspect the dampness on the underside.
2. Never mow your lawn for the first two weeks. Your new sod should root 10-14 days after installation. But it’s always safe to start mowing for the first time after two weeks, except for winter, which takes longer (20-30 days). Set your mower’s setting to the highest you can to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
When mowing, be extra careful not to walk heavily or run on your new sod, so you don’t prevent the fragile young roots from developing properly. If you have pets, prevent them from having so much contact with the newly installed sod.
3-4 Weeks After Installation
1. Reduce the frequency of watering. After each mowing, gradually decrease your watering frequency to every other day while increasing the minute per watering to 30-35 minutes. Less frequent soakings help roots grow deeper and establish more quickly into the soil. To check if the root has been established, lift a corner of the sod. If it doesn’t pull up easily, the roots are forming well.
2. Start fertilizer application after a month of installation. You can now apply fertilizer with a slow-releasing formula. Make sure to follow the brand’s instructions and label. For the following months and years, consider the variety of your sod when taking care of your lawn. As you know, some types require fewer fertilizers than others, like centipede grass.
If you suspect your turf is dying after a few months or years of installation, go to this website for more details on how to fix a dead lawn.
Finding the Right Sod Variety
All homeowners dream of a lush green lawn, and choosing the right sod is vital to achieving it. In fact, laying down your sod is easier than deciding which type survives in your garden. Generally, you have to consider the climate, soil condition, sunlight exposure, water requirements, and foot traffic.
Go for a sod not easily damaged by heavy foot traffic, such as Zoysia or Bermuda grass, if you live with small children or pets. Bermuda is one of the most popular options for athletic lawn owners. It thrives well in either shade or full sunlight, plus it’s more disease-resistant and green up in early spring.
Also, pet urines contain nitrogen that destroys a lawn. Fescue grass may be the perfect fit since it’s very absorbent and can handle dogs’ pee, even the big breeds’. On top of these, determine if your garden has acidic soil since no other types of grass can withstand it, except for centipede grass. Visit this page to learn more about turf varieties.