Essential Sod Maintenance: Caring for New Sod Guide

Caring for sod requires regular attention to maintain a vibrant and healthy lawn. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you effectively care for your sod:

The first two weeks are the most crucial for sod!

Watering

- Day 1-2: Water 2-3 times per day, ensuring the sod and soil beneath are thoroughly soaked

- Days 3-10: Water once daily, providing 1-1.5 inches of water

- Days 11-14: Water every other day, maintaining consistent soil moisture

- Testing moisture: Walk on the sod - if water squishes up, reduce watering

- Best time: Early morning (before 10 AM) to prevent fungal growth

Traffic Control

- Avoid walking on new sod for the first 2-3 weeks

- If necessary, place wooden boards to distribute weight when crossing

- Keep pets off the new lawn during establishment

Initial Mowing

- Wait until sod has rooted (usually 2-3 weeks)

- Perform simple tug test: gently pull up a corner - resistance indicates rooting

- First mowing should remove no more than 1/3 of grass height

Weeks 3-6 (Establishment Period)

Watering Schedule

- Reduce to 2-3 times per week

- Water deeply (about 1 inch) each session

- Adjust based on rainfall and temperature

- Watch for signs of both under and overwatering:

  - Underwatering: Blue-gray color, footprints remain visible

  - Overwatering: Mushrooms, spongy feel, yellowing

Mowing Guidelines

- Maintain 2.5-3 inches height for most grass types

- Keep mower blades sharp

- Never remove more than 1/3 of grass height

- Leave clippings on lawn unless excessive

Fertilization

- First application at 6-8 weeks post-installation

- Use balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10)

- Apply at rate of 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet

- Water thoroughly after application

Long-term Maintenance (After 6 Weeks)

Seasonal Care

Spring

- Remove thatch if accumulation exceeds 1/2 inch

- Apply pre-emergent weed control

- Begin regular fertilization schedule

- Resume normal mowing height

Summer

- Raise mowing height slightly during heat stress

- Water deeply but infrequently (1-1.5 inches per week)

- Monitor for pest problems

- Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat

Fall

- Continue regular mowing until growth stops

- Apply winterizing fertilizer

- Remove fallen leaves promptly

- Final mowing slightly lower than usual

Winter

- Minimize traffic on frozen grass

- Avoid using ice-melting chemicals near sod

- Plan for spring maintenance

Problem Prevention and Solutions

Weed Control

- Allow full establishment before applying herbicides

- Use selective herbicides appropriate for your grass type

- Pull weeds by hand during establishment period

- Maintain proper mowing height to prevent weed growth

Disease Prevention

- Avoid evening watering

- Maintain good air circulation

- Monitor for signs of fungal disease

- Apply fungicides only when necessary

Soil Management

- Test soil annually

- Maintain pH between 6.0-7.0

- Aerate annually in growing season

- Top dress with compost as needed

Signs of Healthy Established Sod

- Deep green color (varies by grass type)

- Dense, uniform growth

- Strong root system

- Quick recovery from traffic

- Minimal weed presence

- Even moisture retention

By following these recommendations and providing the necessary care for your sod, you can enjoy a lush and thriving lawn all year round.