New Sod Maintenance: How To

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

1. To gauge watering, simply place an empty straight-edge can or container about 6 feet away from the sprinkler.
2. When there is a half inch of water in the can, it is time to move the sprinkler to the next area.
3. 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

1. Your new living carpet needs mowing 6-7 days after installation.
2. The basic mowing rule: never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade during a single mowing.
3. Set your mower at a cutting height of approximately 2 1/4”.
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.