Sod is perishable, so make sure to lay it down right away after delivery. Follow it up with deep watering. Note that heat can build up within a roll, possibly damaging turf. After rolling, start irrigation deeply, six inches down into the soil until it’s soft to walk on.
While it’s irresistible to use your lawn immediately after installation, you must ensure that the sod has taken root. Your lawn cannot have heavy foot traffic and activities until the root system establishes properly.
Two Weeks After Installation
On the first few days, your newly installed sod is like 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. For instance, you need to know “what causes dog urine spots” if you have pets.
Here are a few tips for your newly installed sod to ensure it flourishes:
1. Water your sod at least once daily for about 15 minutes. If your sprinkler gives off lighter water spray, make it 20 minutes. If you live in a region with an average temperature of over 65 degrees every day, water your sod twice daily.
When 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. This is the only time to mow your lawn for the first time, 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 discourage the fragile young roots from developing properly. If you have pets, prevent them from having so much contact with the newly installed sod.
Three to Four Weeks After Installation
1. Reduce the frequency of watering. After each mowing, slowly reduce 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. Lift a corner of the sod to check if the root has been established. 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, following the brand’s instructions and label. How you take care of your lawn in the coming months and years depends on the variety of your sod. As you know, some types require fewer fertilizers than others, such as centipede grass.
Visit this website for more details on how to care for your lawn properly.
Finding the Right Sod Variety
All homeowners dream of a lush green lawn, and choosing the right sod is critical 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.
If you have pets or small children, go for a sod not easily damaged by heavy foot traffic, such as Zoysia or Bermuda grass. Bermuda is also one of the most popular options for athletic lawn owners. It thrives well in either shade or full sunlight, is more disease-resistant, and green up in early spring.
Furthermore, note that pet urines contain nitrogen that destroys your lawn. Fescue grass may be ideal since it’s very absorbent and can handle dogs’ pee, even the big breeds’. On top of these, identify if your garden has acidic soil because no other types of grass can withstand it, except for centipede grass. Here’s a website to find a grower near you if you haven’t yet found what you’re looking for.