Sod Care Guide

Install your new sod as soon as possible upon receiving it.

Sod is perishable and must be installed quickly upon receipt and followed by deep watering. Heat can build up and cause damage to turf. Most successful sod installations are done right after delivery to the jobsite. After installing, begin irrigation deeply, 3-4 inches down into the soil until it’s soggy to walk on.

You can treat your sod for insects as soon as 24 hours after laying your new sod to prevent infestations. Remember to frequently monitor your grass for insect infestations, especially in the warmer months of the year and treat as needed.

FIRST TWO WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION

·        Proper watering is essential to establishing rooting of your new sod.

·        As a rule, keep sod and soil moist all throughout the day. Watering every day in the morning and early afternoon is required until sod begins to root- usually this is for the first 10 days. Adjust these instructions for location, sprinklers, and temperature. Watering times should be between 6-7 am in the morning and 2-4 pm in the afternoon during the summer. For fall and winter months make sure the last watering is before the sun sets, therefore the sod has time to dry some before the next watering.

·        If laying sod on a hot day, lightly water the soil prior to putting down your sod.

·        To establish healthy rooting, keep in mind, the sod needs to be watered thoroughly but also needs some time to dry before the next watering.

·        Tread lightly when walking on the new sod until after the first mowing, which is generally 30 days after installation.

·        Try cutting back the frequency of irrigations to once a day after rooting is established just before the first mow to firm up the soil.

·        The first mowing of your new lawn is approximately 30 days after installation, except in the winter, which will require a longer time before the first mow.

·        Mowing high is the least stressful to your new sod. Never mow more than one-third of the grass blade.

THREE TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION

·        Re-adjust your watering clock or timer. Reduce frequency of waterings gradually after each mowing, while increasing minutes per watering.

·        Deeper, less frequent soakings will help roots grow down deeper and establish more quickly into the soil. You can pull or tug on turf to check for rooting.

·        Fertilize your new sod lawn after one month to continue encouraging rooting and establishment.

(If still you have any questions about caring for your sod, please feel free to call your local store location- we're happy to help!)