Establishing Your New Sod and Ongoing Seasonal Maintenance Tips For Your Yard
Putting in a new lawn is an investment in your home and can increase its value and provide immediate curb-appeal. To maintain your investment we always recommend hiring a lawn care professional to maintain your yard once you install new sod. In addition, we have some guidelines to review for a happy and healthy lawn.
Establishment of New Sod
Installation and the care taken during the initial days that follow your sod installation are the most critical factors in determining the long-term quality and performance of your lawn. Harvesting and transplantation is extremely stressful to any grass and precautionary measures should be taken to help reduce further cultural and environmental stresses especially in central Florida. Turfgrass can give you years of enjoyment. Proper care, including pre-installation soil preparation and limiting time on the pallet to less than 24 hours yields positive results. Improper care, however, can cause death of the turfgrass or damage that may result in lengthy recovery and additional expense.
Watering Your New Sod
Watering will be key to establishing your new sod. General guidelines during establishment are to water 1/2″ to 3/4″ daily for the first four weeks then every other day for the next four weeks then get on your regular watering schedule. This is a guideline only and will vary depending on time of year, weather, soil, amount of shade and other variables. If you’re not sure how to figure out how much water you’re getting to your yard watch our video on
Tips On Watering Your Lawn. For specific information on seasonal ongoing maintenance for your type of grass see the videos on our site and read the tips below.
Fungicide Applications And Your New Grass
As with any growing plant that’s been transplanted, sod cut out of the field and laid in your yard will experience stress. When stressed sod is more susceptible to fungus. During this time you are also going to be giving your sod more water than it is used to. The added moisture is another reason your new lawn can be prone to disease. Because of this we recommend putting down a good quality dual-action fungicide. Your lawn professional should have a product they use or you can purchase something at a store like John Deere Landscapes or Bob’s Bug Blasters. As with all products used on your lawn, follow label directions and ensure the product is meant for your particular type of grass.
Mowing Your New Sod
- New installations are often uneven and care should be taken not to scalp high spots
- Mow new grass once sod is rooted, usually after about 3 weeks
- Bag clippings only if grass is clumping and shading new grass
- Once established, follow Ongoing Maintenance guidelines for mowing
Fertilizer Applications And Your New Yard
After grass is established, usually after 3 weeks, apply a fertilizer appropriate for your type of grass
Herbicide Applications And Your New Yard
It is typically not recommended to use herbicide on new grass until after it has rooted.
Insecticide Applications And Your New Sod
Treat for insects only as needed based on pre-existing issues with the area where the sod is installed. Read labels carefully and follow instructions for newly laid grass and for your particular type of grass. You may find insecticides at online stores like
Do My Own Pest Control.
