Care

NEW SOD

The first few weeks of your new yard are critical to sod survival and long-lasting beauty. Check out our Install Guide for sod install tips.

Day 1:

  • Sufficient water must be applied to penetrate the sod and 2″ down below the soil surface, and be completely saturated. *(NO standing/pooling water)

Days 2-14 (until it roots):

  • Water DAILY, ONCE for at least 14 days. Sod and soil must be kept moist. (NOT saturated). Temperature and weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering.
  • If the temperature is above 90 degrees, you may need to water twice a day.
  • Stay off new sod for 14 days after installation.

After 14 days (depending on temperature): Sod should begin to take root!

  • The final goal is to apply 3 inches (total) of water every 7 days. (Use a rain gauge to measure water amount). To achieve this goal, transition from watering once daily to 4 times each week for three more weeks. Finally switch to watering 3 times per week. Check the color and condition of your sod as you make the transition!
  • Check sprinklers overlap and cover every square inch of your sod. If edges or areas start to dry out/brown, increase watering time by 5 minutes.
  • If sod is yellowing, thinning or mushrooms pop up, those areas are likely over watered, Cut back on water time.
  • REMEMBER: All irrigation systems differ according to soil type.

Additional Tips:

  • Very important to use a rain gauge to measure how much water your sod is getting in a given time period! Place gauge in different places of your yard.
  • Avoid watering in the heat of the day to avoid evaporation! Sunrise is the best time to water.
  • Water after each mowing.
  • To check soil moisture one should easily be able to insert a screwdriver 5-8″ into the soil. Check different areas of your yard and adjust sprinklers accordingly.
  • Deep watering promotes good root growth which in turn assists sod health under extreme temperatures.
  • MOW 2-3 weeks after installation. Now a little higher than regular the first time or two! Cutting off more than an inch at a time could stress the grass.

Fertilize:

  • 4-6 weeks after laying sod a (Triple 15) 15-15-15 nitrogen/phosphorous/potassium fertilizer is recommended. (Contact us to purchase if needed)

BASIC YARD CARE

Below are some basic yard care ideas and tips that can be used as necessary.

  • Different types of grass need different amounts of water, but we recommend deep water of about 30 minutes even coverage once a week in temperatures between 50-75 degrees. Twice a week when above 75 degrees.
    • If you can easily insert a screwdriver 5-8″ into the soil, you have adequate water depth. Check multiple areas in your yard.
    • Deep watering promotes good root growth which helps in extreme temperatures.
  • If your grass turns brown, purple or silver, you likely need more water. If it turns yellow, starts to thin and mushrooms pop up, water less. Over-watering will quite literally drown your grass and attract disease and insects, thereby killing it.
  • We recommend watering in cooler temperatures to reduce the risk of evaporation. Mornings, just as the sun is rising is a great time to water.

MOWING

  • Do not cut your grass too short. This can cause disease and insect and weed infestations. The blades “catch sun” to promote healthy growth.
  • It is best to mow once a week at about 2-2.5 inches tall. If you get behind a week, raise your mower and then graduate back down to the recommended 2-2.5 inches a day or two later.
  • DO NOT cut off more than a half-inch at a time or you could greatly stress your grass.
  • Sharpen your blades regularly, or at least once a season.

FERTILIZER, WEEDS & INSECTS, OH MY

  • We recommend a triple 15 fertilizer in the spring and the fall to ensure it stays healthy, thick and green. This is a good all-around fertilizer for spring and fall which adds an equal part of three different nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium — to your lawn.
  • Weeds will always attempt to make your yard home. Regular water, mowing and fertilizer will do a good job of protecting from most weeds. If you see some pop up, dig them out by hand or purchase a weed control product from a local garden center.
  • Insects are most prevalent in the dry heat of the summer. Monitor your grass regularly and at the sign of infestation, visit your local garden center for a pesticide to curb the issue immediately.

If you practice normal maintenance, water, mowing and fertilizing, weeds and insects should not be a problem.