Sod Care

When to water new sod?


Water new sod within 30 minutes of sod installation with at least two to 4 inches of water so the underneath soil is moist. The sod requires ground contact and moisture to survive. If the climate or season is hot and dry, you may need to start irrigating the prepped areas before the entire site is laid.


Plan to continue watering new sod two times per day in the morning and afternoon until the soil is saturated but not puddling. Morning is better with less water is lost to evaporation. Watering in the evening is not ideal as water remaining on the grass may promote disease and fungus.

When to fertilize new sod?


Help the sod remains healthy and feed your lawn 3-4 times during the growing season. Try a slow-release or controlled-release form of nitrogen whenever possible, but especially on the spring and fall applications.


Reminder guideline to fertilize on holidays.

Memorial Day: Suggested Fertilizer – 30-0-9 (N-P-K)

Labor Day: Suggested Fertilizer – 24-0-11 (N-P-K)

Halloween: Suggested Fertilizer – 24-0-11 (N-P-K)

Fertilize Sod Care — Duette, FL — AllState Sod

Install Your Sod Immediately and Begin Watering!

Do Not Wait Until the Next Day

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

FIRST TWO WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION

  • Proper watering is essential to establishment (rooting) of your new sod. It’s nearly impossible to over water new sod!
  • As a general rule, keep sod and soil moist all throughout the day. As much as 2 to 6 sprinklings during the day (morning and afternoon) are required until sod begins to root. Adjust for location, sprinklers, and temperature.
  • Stay off new sod until after the first mowing.
  • Try cutting back frequency of irrigations just before the first mow to firm up the soil.
  • First mow is approximately 14 days after installation except in winter, which will require a longer time before the first mow.
  • Mowing high is least stressful to the new sod. Never mow off more than one-third of the grass blade.

THREE TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION

  • Re-adjust your watering clock or timer. Reduce frequency of watering’s 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. Pull or tug on turf to check rooting.
  • Fertilize your new sod lawn at one month to continue encouraging rooting and establishment. 

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS

  • Sod not rooting? – Most sod varieties will begin to root within 10 to 14 days. Check watering schedule and adjust to deeper, less frequent soaking. Excessive shade will slow down rooting.
  • Bluish-grey spots on lawn or footprints show after being walked on – Drought stressed spots in the lawn. Try increasing minutes per watering and check or adjust sprinkler coverage.
Share by: