What You Need To Know About Installing Your New Sod Lawn
Sod is perishable and needs to be installed directly upon receipt. It should always be followed up with a deep watering to remain healthy. If you choose to keep sod rolled up, it allows for heat to build within, which can cause damage to the turf.Once the sod has been laid, you will want to begin your irrigation system deeply, six inches down to the soil until its soggy to walk on. Make sure to maintain sod care through the first day. You can cause a great deal of damage to your new lawn if its not cared for properly.
Lay The Subsequent Layers
As you lay each line of sod, make sure that you stagger the joints so that they dont line up with one another. Picture bricks in a wall if youre having trouble. This staggering will ensure that you dont create a fault line running through your grass.
When you encounter trees, shrubs, or flower beds, cut the sod into shape using a garden knife to ensure a tight fit in that location.
You only have one shot at this. If you feel like you need some assistance, theres nothing wrong with calling a professional to ensure that its done the right way. Youve spent a lot of money on this product and you dont want to waste your investment on a problem that could have been avoided at the beginning.
How Soon Do You Mow New Sod
Your new sod can be mowed when it looks like it needs mowing . When possible, use a walk-behind power mower, with the cutting height set high . Do not use a riding mower as it is too heavy and its powered wheels can tear up the new sod. After the sod has fully rooted , regular mowing can commence. For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing and maintain sharp mower blades. Cutting frequency will need to be increased during the faster growing seasons of spring and fall. Grass clippings may be left on the lawn to return nutrients to the root zone.
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Can You Overwater New Sod
New sod needs a lot of care when it comes to getting established. Putting too much water on the sod can cause problems and reduce the time until the new grass takes root.
A common mistake many new sod owners make is overwatering their plants. Sod is more susceptible to insect, fungus, and disease damage if it gets too much water.
How do you know you are overwatering your new sod?
Some of the signs that you are overwatering your sod include an increase in weeds, mud at the base of the plant, and discoloration or wilting on top.
Another sign is if theres water standing around your new grass plants for more than two hours after watering.
If you see signs of overwatering your sod, you need to cut back on the amount of watering your new grass gets. You can skip one day or a day and a half of watering to allow the soil underneath to absorb the water. The soil should be moist and not soggy.
Some people find it helpful to use a moisture meter on their soil before watering. You can buy these at your local hardware store for less than $20, and they allow you to measure the amount of water in your soil by inserting one end into the ground near where the sod is planted and reading off the number on the other end.
If the number is under 30, then your soil needs more water, and if its over 40 or 50, you should stop watering because too much moisture can cause root rot in new sod.
If you overwater your sod, the roots will rot, and the grass will die.
Tips Tricks And Helpful Hints
- While your new Arizona sod lawn is still within its initial establishment period, keep non-essential foot traffic away from your turf. People should only be walking on your lawn when they’re moving the sprinklers or performing other essential maintenance tasks.
- You’ll know you need to apply more water if the edges can be easily separated. This means the sod is shrinking and pulling apart within its structure.
- Water early in the evenings at the latest to avoid prolonged periods of wetness, which can make your new Arizona sod lawn susceptible to diseases.
- Your new Arizona sod lawn requires special attention where it’s placed against paved and concrete surfaces. Our climate’s hot temperatures and scorching sun will literally bake fresh sod when it’s against hot surfaces, so be sure to provide extra attention and water well where the pavement meets the grass blades.
Still trying to decide which Arizona sod lawn will fit your home and lifestyle best? Check out our Evergreen Turf Lawn Selector to help you make a well-informed decision.
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Watering Sod Weeks 3 And 4
You can start tapering your watering cycles during weeks three and four by reducing the frequency of watering cycles during the day to 1-3 times per day. You may also gradually start skipping a day of watering if the sod is staying green and healthy.
You can check to make sure the sod is establishing itself by lifting a corner of the sod and feeling for a resistance, which indicates the sod roots can handle a longer length of watering less times per a day.
Caring For Sod In The Winter
As winter approaches, youll want to start mowing the sod once it is established and ready, lowering the mower blade each time until the grass is at the desired height. After mowing, rake out fallen leaves and sticks. Even though dead leaves can provide nutrients to the lawn over the winter, its more important to make sure the newly laid sod can get sunlight and air over the winter.
Todays Homeowner recommends that you choose a fertilizer meant to be applied before winter or another slow-release type. These are designed to provide nutrients to the lawn over a period of months rather than all at once. Fertilize the new sod and water the area so that the fertilizer sinks into the soil and starts to release its components.
Monitor the moisture in the soil as the sod starts to go dormant. You dont need to water dormant grass, as it isnt doing anything. Likewise, once temperatures land below freezing, theres no need to water, as none of it will be taken up. Keep an eye on your lawn over the winter and you should have fresh green grass coming in the spring.
Things You Will Need
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When Can I Mow My Sod Lawn
The first mow can take place approximately 14 days after your installation. However, if you have it installed during winter, it will require more time prior to the initial mow. Make sure to set your mower blades high to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade. This is the least stressful way to cut the new sod.Before your first mow, you will want to cut back on the frequency of watering the sod so it has time to firm up. As a rule of thumb, stay off of your new sod until after the first mow.
Week 4 Of Your New Sod
After mowing the 3rd time, you may now start watering your lawn every other day or less, depending on the weather. Unless you have a really sandy soil condition, you most likely will only need to water 3-4 days per week in the summer months.
The key to having a happy lawn, second to good ground preparation, is regular and consistent watering, mowing, and fertilizing! These three items will give your root establishment the best chance to provide a healthy and happy lawn for years to come.
Watering and mowing are ever-changing with your local weather patterns. The above guidelines are for warmer summer months. Make routine adjustments as needed for your specific climate and time of year.
For ongoing care, you may want to consider using some technology to help you maintain your lawns health. Soil moisture sensors can be particularly helpful for perfecting your lawns watering schedule through different seasons.
You can learn more about laying and caring for your sod during different seasons here:
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How Long Should You Avoid Walking On New Sod
Of all the tips we have for caring for new sod, the most important is not walking on it too early. You should keep pets, children, and everyone else off of newly plant sod until at least the first mowing. Watering the sod at regular intervals will help the roots to establish themselves, and until they are firmly entrenched, your sod is vulnerable. Walking on the sod before the roots have taken cold can cause root failure or poor rooting.
What Are The Top 3 Sods To Use In Your Home Garden
If you are considering using sod in your garden, its important to know what to look for when purchasing. The three most popular types of sods available include sprigs, plugs, and sheets. These different options provide various benefits that might be better suited for the type of space or gardening style you have.
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Professional Sodding Sod Installation & Sod Maintenance In Toronto
At My Landscapers, we have over 15 years of experience laying newsod grass across Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan & Stouffville.Our experts are here to answer any questions you may have and guide you throughthe entire process. Bring your lawn back to life with professional care andexpertise. We provide FREE,no-obligation, detailed estimates for any sodding, lawn care or commerciallandscaping project.
Customer Testimonials
Nematodes & How They Should Be Used For Your New Sod
Nematodes are a great way to help your sodding thrive. They are small, round and long worms that help protect your new sod. Understanding the benefits of using nematodes throughout your new sodding installation will be explored in an upcoming post. Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
**When purchasing, make sure the product is not expired
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When To Mow Your Sod
You can expect to mow your new lawn about 14 days after your sod installation or when your grass exceeds 3.5 inches tall. It’s important to keep a few key things in mind when you first mow:
- Reduce your watering to make sure you mow on dry turf to avoid leaving tire tracks or sinking marks.
- Do not remove more than 1/3 of your grass length per mowing cycle.
- It is recommended to mow your lawn more often and keep it at a height of of 2 to 2.5 inches.
During the first two weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This will give the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil.
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 youre not sure how to figure out how much water youre 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.
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Things You Need To Know To Care For Your Sod Grass
All Turf February 3rd, 2020
When it comes to caring for your new lawn, knowing what to expect on a newly sodded lawn will make the process much smoother. New sod is an expensive investment and must receive proper care in the beginning stages to result in a successful new lawn. New sod can be compared to a newborn baby, as it needs delicate care and proper nutrients in the beginning stages. These 6 tips will help make your journey with new sod much easier on you and your wallet in the long run!
How Long Does It Take For Sod To Take Root
New sod roots are very short, so it is important to treat them with care and ensure they are not overwatered. Usually, roots will start the process of establishing themselves with a week of installation. In some cases, it can take as long as two weeks for the process to really get underway. The climate in your area, the season you plant your sod, and your soil quality will all play a part in determining how long it takes for the new sod roots to take hold. Take care never to overwater the sod while it is in the rooting stage. Soggy sod can lead to root rot and eventually new sod failure. Instead, water the sod in smaller amounts, several times during the day.
When caring for new sod, the rooting period is the most critical. Take care not to water your sod too much, or you will prevent the roots from creating a strong bond with the soil. As you get closer to the first mowing period, you should reduce the amount of water you apply to the new sod. This will allow the roots the time they need to firmly take hold of the soil as it firms up for the first mow.
If the soil is too soft during your first mow, you can end up pulling the sod out by its roots, and you will end up having to start over with new sod. Your first mow should be scheduled two to three weeks after the sod was installed. If you installed your sod in the winter, the roots will need at least a month to establish themselves ahead of your first mow.
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What To Do About Sod Not Rooting
If youre planting new sod, it may take a while for the roots to grow and set. It can be frustrating if your plants are wilting after only one or two days of watering. The roots of your new lawn should begin to knit with the underlying soil after one to three weeks.
If the sod is not establishing itself in the soil, roll up the affected area and with a trowel or shovel fluff up some space. Sod, once laid on the ground, should be tightened up with your hands and then stomped down with your feet.
What to do if sod does not take?
If your sod is still wilting after several days, it may be that the roots did not take. In this case, you will need to contact a professional landscaper or ask someone with experience in laying new lawns for advice on what to do next.
New Sod Care Everything You Need To Know To Take Care Of That Sod
You just had your fresh new SOD installed, and your lawn has never looked better! No weeds and a full beautiful lushes green. But now what? If you were planning on Mother Nature to give your new lawn everything it needs you will quickly find yourself in some serious trouble. Without proper SOD care, your new lawn will quickly show it is unhappy! Wait too long, and your SOD will not be able to recover.
So how do you take care of new SOD? Well for the next few weeks and even the following year, you are going to have to treat your lawn like a new child giving your SOD extra TLC until it find its footings.
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Whats The Best Time To Fertilize
The best time to add fertilizer is before you install your sod. Adding a fertilizer high in phosphorous will help your roots establish themselves. After installation, you can apply a fertilizer with slow-release nitrogen after about 60 days from installation. But do not apply fertilizer for at least the first 30 days.
Its important to remember that the plant is going to undergo a great deal of stress that may be expressed through discoloration and thinned growth. Dont panic. Water the roots regularly and give them time to adjust to their new surroundings.
On The First Day Of Watering
After installation, start watering your sod within 20 minutes to saturate the sod roots and to promote root establishment. The sod needs to be saturated to the degree that you see standing water on top of the sod or if you were to step onto the sod you would ‘soak’ your feet – it should feel spongey. You can also lift a corner of the sod to see the depth of the moisture, making sure it reaches the roots and two inches of native soil underneath.
Smaller areas can be watered by hand with a hose and larger areas can be covered by a sprinkler. We recommend watering every three hours on the first day because of the sod’s short root system, lacking the ability to draw moisture from deeper soil. You may need to reposition sprinklers every few hours to make sure you’re hitting every area of the sod evenly and consider over-watering areas near buildings, driveways and sidewalks that often radiate the sun more and dry sod up faster.
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How To Lay Sod
When you just cant wait for a new lawn, choose sod over seeds.
If youve reached the point of no return when it comes to your lawnyou know, when the grass has retreated to the point where there is nothing but weeds as far at the eye can seeits time to start over. Youve got two choices: Reseed or lay down sod. While reseeding might be cheaper and involve a little less effort, it also takes longer to get that gorgeous green lawn youre longing for.
Laying sod, on the other hand, is a path to near-instant gratification. Instead of waiting 6 weeks for seed to grow, you get a finished-looking lawn right after you complete the job. The key here is the word lookingits not really finished until the grassroots are established and have bonded with the underlying soil, which can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks.
