How to Care for New Sod

If your home is getting a new lawn installed, or has gone through a construction project, you most likely need new sod. But in most instances, thin or damaged lawns can be repaired with over-seeding (click here to learn more!), which is actually a much more cost effective and requires less intensive after care from you!

4 Tips on How to Care for New Sod

Although Hometurf Lawn Care does not provide or install sod ourselves, we understand you may be going down that path and have compiled a few vital steps for you below that you need to follow in order for your new sod to survive and thrive!

Proper Watering:

Your newly installed sod requires a lot more water than a regular, established lawn normally would. This is because the roots in the new sod need much more, consistent moisture. You need to provide your sod with enough water to thoroughly soak the first few inches of soil for the first week to week and a half of laying the sod. This should be accomplished with about five to ten minutes of watering two to three times a day, depending on the weather. Following this time frame, you can decrease the amount you’re watering the new sod to once a day while still ensuring that you’re soaking top quarter inch of the soil. After about three weeks, you can begin watering every other day and after about a month you can begin watering as you would an established lawn, as the roots of your new sod should be established.  Always make sure to water your new sod in the morning or evening to allow maximum moisture absorption!

Fertilization Rules:

You will most likely not need to fertilize your new sod as it was likely fertilized before it was harvested. Wait about a month for the sod to establish its roots into the soil of your lawn before applying a granular fertilizer, which activates upon moisture.

Mowing Your New Sod:

You should not mow your sod until it is a bit longer than you would generally allow your grass to grow, about 3.5-4 inches.  Once it’s grown to this length, avoid cutting it too short, and make sure that your mower’s blades are sharp and set to cut your grass evenly.

Foot Traffic:

Try to avoid stepping on your newly lain sod for a the first period after you’ve installed it, about a week to a week and a half. Even after about a month, you’ll want to keep foot traffic light as the roots of your new sod will be newly established and can be affected by disturbances, such as too much weight being placed on them.

At Hometurf Lawn Care, we are happy to help establish your new sod with proper, effective care! Contact us today for more information on how we can help your lawn flourish and grow into the lush, green lawn you’d like to see.