While newly installed sod requires ongoing care, the initial maintenance can be broken into two general categories: the first two weeks after installation and three to four weeks after installation. Since this initial month of care often sets the tone for the life of your sod, it's critical property owners in Sarasota, FL adhere to a set schedule that addresses the needs of your new sod.
The first two weeks of caring for your sod should entail watering it immediately upon installation, multiple watering sessions each day, preventing foot traffic, and the first mow. The next two weeks will see you reduce waterings while increasing the length of each watering session, along with confirming whether the grass has taken root, and scheduling your first fertilizer treatment.
Here's how to care for your sod the first two weeks after installing it.
The first two weeks after installing your sod are critical as this is the time that your sod is most fragile and will need the most care. To ensure the roots don't dry out, you'll need to water your sod immediately upon installation. You'll also want to continue watering it throughout the next two weeks so your sod remains moist at all times. Doing so will require watering it 4 to 5 times per day to ensure the roots receive enough moisture.
In addition to keeping your newly installed sod well-hydrated, it's also vital that you avoid any foot traffic on it. Walking on sod can compact it and cause your turf to turn brown. Also, you must hold off on mowing your sod until the 14-day mark, as this allows your new turf to establish itself into your soil. Remember to mow high when mowing your new sod, cutting no more than a third of the grass blades.
Here's how to care for your sod 3-4 weeks after installation.
At the 3 to 4-week mark after installing your sod is the point where you'll begin adjusting your care. For example, you will want to scale your waterings back from 4 to 5 a day to no more than 2 to 3 waterings while lengthening the amount of time that you water your turf. So, if you were watering it 10 minutes per session initially, you can increase this to 20 minutes per session.
To get an idea of whether your sod has established itself into the soil, you can give the grass a gentle tug. If you notice that it lifts up like a carpet, it's not ready for foot traffic. On the other hand, if it does not lift and the roots feel well-anchored, then you can begin walking on your turf with confidence. But don't forget to test different spots of your lawn. Firmly established sod also signals that you can start scheduling fertilizer treatments.
Your newly laid sod will need fertilizer to ensure that it receives all of the nutrients that it needs to grow nice and strong.
Get your newly installed sod off to a bright start. Contact us today!
Property owners sometimes forget to consider what's involved in caring for new sod after installation. But hopefully, this blog has at least filled in some of the gaps when it comes to maintaining your newly installed sod. Of course, if you still have questions, we're happy to offer our assistance.
At Tropical Gardens Landscape, we have been helping residential, commercial, and HOA properties achieve beautiful lawns with our sod installation service since 2007. We offer full-service sod installation, as well as fertilization and weed control. If you're in Sarasota, Siesta Key, Longboat Key, or nearby in Florida, let us help with your sod installation project. Contact us today at (941) 993-2442 for a quote.
