We’ve all been there before… You complete a backyard renovation with some Premium Kentucky Bluegrass Sod from Greenhorizons. The sod looks magnificent when you leave, but you revisit the site one week later only to realize that the homeowner didn’t keep up with the necessary watering! The sod has turned brown and is dying, beyond the point of recovery. That’s a lot of wasted sod, time, and resources for all parties involved. We have seen this happen time and time again. In order to improve the rate of sod success, we’ve laid out the necessary watering and maintenance schedule here!
Watering New Sod
Water is the single most important tip for successful sod installation.
Water Immediately.
Our basic rule has always been: A half inch of water in the first 10-15 minutes is better than 3 inches of water a few hours later.
Water Deeply.
To maximize results, the ground must be kept moist.
IMPORTANT: Ensure water has penetrated the the sod by lifting a corner and checking the ground beneath.
WATERING GAUGE TIP
- To gauge watering, simply place an empty straight-edge can or container about 6 feet away from the sprinkler.
- When there is a half inch of water in the can, it is time to move the sprinkler to the next area.
- Reflected heat along buildings dries sod quickly. Be sure to water these areas more often.
Watering Schedule
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Water | Water | ||
| Day 2 | Water | Water | Water | |
| Day 3 | Water | Water | ||
| Day 4 | Water | |||
| Day 5 | Water | Water | Water | Water |
| Day 6 | ||||
| Day 7 | Mow | Mow | Mow | Mow |
Mowing
Mowing Newly Laid Sod
For best results, mow your new sod 7 days after installation and perpendicular to the direction it was laid. Adjust your cutting height if needed.
IMPORTANT: The most common and disastrous installation mistake is NOT mowing 6-7 days after installation.
MOWING TIPS
- Your new living carpet needs mowing 6-7 days after installation.
- The basic mowing rule: never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade during a single mowing.
- Set your mower at a cutting height of approximately 2 1/4”.
- For best appearance and better resistance to disease, be sure to keep your mower blades sharp.
Post Sod Establishment
Regular Maintenance Requirements
Fertilizing
Fertilize your new lawn a minimum of three(3) times per year. Soil samples should be taken annually. If a soil sample is unattainable, apply a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of 2-1-2 at the following “N” (nitrogen) levels: for passive lawn areas, apply a minimum of 4 lbs of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year; for medium to high traffic areas, apply a minimum of 6 lbs of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. Apply fertilizer according to this schedule: first day of Spring, first day of Summer, first day of fall. Optionally fertilize after your last day of mowing before winter dormancy.
Mowing Established Sod
Mow your new lawn a minimum of once per week, and twice per week during peak growing season (mid Spring/early Summer). NEVER REMOVE MORE THAN 1/3 OF THE GRASS BLADE. Ideal mowing height is 2.5 to 2.75 inches.
Watering
For passive lawn areas ensure your new lawn receives a minimum of one (1) inch of water per week and for high traffic areas up to two inches of water per week. Water deeply but infrequently.
What about weeds and what type of weed spray is good to use and safe for grass?
Hey Al!
There are plenty of natural weed killer options out there, but the best way to combat lawn weeds is to pull them and ensure your lawn is healthy enough to choke out any others trying to germinate. To learn more, check out this article we put up on our OrderSodNow Blog: https://ordersodnow.com/blog/2019/06/13/lawn-weeds/
All the best!
Just had new sod installed on Friday May 7th. I am following your schedule for watering. Should I be watering once a day or morning and evening
Hey Chad! This information sheet could provide some more tips for you: https://greenhorizonssod.com/how-to-install-sod/GHG-SodMaintenance-Handout.pdf Once per day for new sod installation is typically fine (unless it’s exceptionally hot out). Avoid watering in the evenings, because too much standing water can be detrimental to your lawn. All the best and enjoy your new lawn!
Thanks for the link. I am following your New Sod Maintenance How To Schedule and it is a little different than the link you sent me in regards to watering and mowing. Which one should I follow. When should I mow for the first time?
The two processes should be rather similar Chad, and success can be achieved with both. Your first mow should always happen about a week after installation, so long as establishment is going well.
I hope that helps and all the best!
Thank you the information…really helpful.
2 questions
1. cutting height. it says dont cut more than 1/3 and maintain 2 1/4 inch height. how to do this when the grass is 4inch tall after a week?
2. sod was installed june 1st week. when do i nezt fertilize ? there was no starter fertilizer put during or after installation
Please suggest
Thanks
Bmj
Hey Bhushan,
A couple of great questions! If your lawn has gotten a little long after installation, simply mow your lawn a little more often for a while, always being careful not to take more than 1/3 of the grass blade off. That should get your lawn to a lower maintenance height! As for the fertilizer, since you didn’t apply any during installation, you can apply some any time now and it should help. Just be sure to follow the fertilizer instructions because some varieties need to be watered in.
What if the length is not 3.5-4” after 7 days, do you still cut? Is the first cut critical at the length or 7 day mark?
Hey Jack! The length isn’t as important as the duration. Mowing after that first week is integral to encourage further root growth! Just remember to never take more than 1/3 of the grass blade off at a time, so beware of your mowing height, and also try to be as careful as you can during that first mow. You don’t want to disturb any rolls that haven’t completely established yet. Hope these tips help Jack and let me know if you have any further questions!