- Establish a Watering Schedule. You should be watering your new sod lawn at least twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes each time for the first 10 days.
- Avoid Walking On It. If you walk on your sod before it has planted roots into the ground, it will damage its appearance and overall health.
- Mowing Protocol. This is one of the most common questions we get about caring for a new sod lawn. ...
- Use Fertilizer. About four to six weeks after your sod has been installed, you will want to fertilize it. Fertilizer encourages additional rooting and growth of your new lawn.
How do you take care of new sod?
When caring for new sod proper watering is the key to healthy growth. In general, you should always water the soil prior to installing new sod. This will prevent the soil from sucking moisture out of the roots and causing the sod to fail.
When should you fertilize new sod?
After you lay your sod, you should water it every day for three days. After those first three days, you should continue to water your sod every other day until it is at least two weeks old. We covered watering your new sod, and now it is time to talk about fertilizing your new sod. Fertilizing your new sod after it has been laid is a good idea.
How much does it cost to maintain new sod?
Most homeowners spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on installing new sod and maintaining it. However, all that money would go down the drain if the new sod doesn’t anchor to your lawn and grow naturally. The first few weeks are crucial and you need to make sure your sod receives proper care during this time. What is Sod?
How long does it take for new sod to settle?
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.
How often should I water new sod in Denver?
Immediately after installing sod, water thoroughly making it spongy to the step. The new sod should be kept thoroughly wet to a depth of 4″ to 6″ and watered 3 to 5 times a day during the first 7 to 14 days depending on season.
How do you maintain newly laid 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.
What is the best time of year to lay sod in Colorado?
fallAs long as you choose the right type of grass variety, sod can be safely installed in Colorado before the first frost, in fall, but the best time for sod installation is in spring or in milder weather periods throughout the growing season – the important thing is to have strong grass roots before the soil freezes and ...
How long do you have to stay off new sod?
Two WeeksFirst Two Weeks Please stay off new sod until after the first mowing. Proper watering of sod is essential for root establishment. The day of installation, enough water should be applied to penetrate the sod and two inches of native soil.
Should new sod be watered everyday?
Your new lawn needs to be watered twice a day, for about 20 minutes per session every day for at least two months. This should be enough so that your lawn gets a solid six inches of watering per cycle.
How long does it take for new sod to take root?
10-14 daysHow long does it take new sod to root? Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod. Be sure to set your mower to the highest setting possible in order to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
Can you water new sod too much?
New sod does need to be watered more often than established grass to ensure that it will take root, but it is possible to put too much water on the sod. Too much water on your sod could make it soggy, which prevents it from establishing a strong root system.
Will yellow sod turn green again?
Yes, yellow sod will turn green again as long as the primary problems are addressed. All of the reasons sod might turn yellow listed above have solutions that will help you get your lawn back on track. Yes, it will take a little longer to have the lush, green lawn of your dreams but it's still possible.
Is it OK to water new sod at night?
Watering in the evening is discouraged—water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus. Within a few weeks, when the sod has started rooting into the soil, you will not have to water it as much.
What happens if you walk on new sod?
If you begin walking on your new sod before it establishes a strong anchorage system, your turfgrass is less likely to thrive, as the foot pressure causes wear to sections of the turf. The best thing to do- therefore- is to wait for proper root establishment.
How often should you water newly laid sod?
2 to 6 times a dayDepending on the temperature, you should water it 2 to 6 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time. The hotter it is, the more you should water it. The goal is to keep the sod and soil underneath moist, but no longer soggy, throughout the day. Try to stay off the sod for the first two weeks.
Should you walk on new sod?
How Long Before I Can Walk on New Sod? You can walk on your new sod lawn but avoid any heavy traffic right away. No construction, wheelbarrows, or soccer games until it gets established after a few weeks. You don't want the fragile root system to tear before it's fully established.
How often should new sod be watered?
2 to 6 times a dayDepending on the temperature, you should water it 2 to 6 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time. The hotter it is, the more you should water it. The goal is to keep the sod and soil underneath moist, but no longer soggy, throughout the day. Try to stay off the sod for the first two weeks.
How long after laying sod should you fertilize?
Fertilize new sod for the first time about six weeks after laying the sod. Apply fertilizer as recommended by the results of a soil test or broadcast a slow-release, granular fertilizer with a 10-10-10 or similar formula at a rate of no more than 1 pound nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
Should I put starter fertilizer on new sod?
You can and should use starter fertilizer when you put down new sod. You should use a starter fertilizer with a higher phosphorous and potassium level than you usually would for a lawn. It should also be applied to the soil and not directly onto the freshly laid sod.
Can you water new sod too much?
New sod does need to be watered more often than established grass to ensure that it will take root, but it is possible to put too much water on the sod. Too much water on your sod could make it soggy, which prevents it from establishing a strong root system.
What do landscapers do before sod is laid?
Professional landscapers will make sure the ground has good quality soil that would provide ample nutrition. They will also water the surface before the sod is laid on top of the wet ground. The moisture content along with loose soil will create an ideal environment for the roots to grow.
How long does it take to check sod?
You should check the sod for signs of these problems within three days of installation. If you see signs of disease and fungi, apply good quality fungicide to the sod. Most professional sod installers will provide recommendations to help you choose the best option.
What is Sod?
You can’t take care of or maintain the sod if you don’t understand what it is and how it functions. Here are some things you should keep in mind before you carry out the sod installation:
How often should I fertilize my lawn?
You should also fertilize the lawn once a month. That will ensure your sod receives as much nutrition as it needs to thrive and grow. Check For Signs of Disease – The grass is at its weakest at this stage so it’s vulnerable to diseases, pests, and fungi.
How does grass grow beyond the mud?
The roots of the existing grass grow beyond the mud that came with the sod. Those roots sink into the lawn’s soil and anchor to the ground when the nutrition in the sod dries up.
How long after sod is installed can you walk on it?
After you’ve installed the sod, make sure you, your pets, your children, and your guests don’t step onto the grass. You can walk on it after a few weeks of enough watering and proper growth. Fertilize the Sod – Once the sod is installed, you need to fertilize it.
Is sod a permanent addition?
However, after proper care, the roots sink deep and the grass will become a permanent addition to your lawn.
Establish a Watering Schedule
You should be watering your new sod lawn at least twice a day for 20 to 30 minutes each time for the first 10 days. We recommend doing this once in the morning and once in the late afternoon.
Avoid Walking On It
If you walk on your sod before it has planted roots into the ground, it will damage its appearance and overall health. If you do need to walk on it, make sure you do so lightly and minimally. You will be able to walk on it after the first successful mowing.
Mowing Protocol
This is one of the most common questions we get about caring for a new sod lawn. The rule of thumb is to wait 14 days since this is around the time that the roots have fully attached themselves to the ground. Be sure to set your mower at its highest setting, so it only removes the top of the blades.
Use Fertilizer
About four to six weeks after your sod has been installed, you will want to fertilize it. Fertilizer encourages additional rooting and growth of your new lawn. You can spread it by hand or use a seed spreader. For best results, continue to do this once a month.
How Can I Keep My Sod From Drying Out?
Dry soil will suck the water out of the sod leaving it under-watered and prone to failure. One way to prevent your new sod from drying out is by watering the ground soil prior to installation. It is also a good idea to install the sod early in the day, or in the evening when the ground is cool. Lower ground temperatures will help prevent new sod roots from going into shock and it will help them to retain their moisture.
How Long Should You Avoid Walking On New Sod?
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.
Should New Sod Turn Brown?
New sod in general is very healthy and should not turn brown. But carefully caring for new sod is absolutely critical. Like any living thing, sod is perishable and will need to be installed as soon as possible. If the installers wait too long, the sod may start to die and it will begin to turn brown.
What Fertilizer Is Best For Sod?
New sod should be fertilized approximately five weeks after it was installed. Caring for new sod doesn’t only entail proper watering and mowing, it also includes extra root nourishment. Fertilizing the sod will help the roots continue to establish themselves and it will also support healthy growth. The type of fertilizer you use will depend mainly on the sod you have installed, and the type of soil on your property.
Why is my new sod turning brown?
Drought or lack of adequate moisture will also cause new sod to turn brown. If the roots are not getting the moisture they need, they enter a state of dormancy. During the dormant stage, new sod will become brown, however, if it is not watered, it will die. Anytime you notice new sod with brown patches, there is a problem that is generally linked with moisture or lack of proper nutrients. If the new sod is mostly yellow, it can still be saved. New sod that is mostly brown will be much harder to revive.
Is It Possible To Overwater Sod?
Grass loves water, however, new sod is different. It is possible to overwater new sod, and it can even happen easier than you expect. New sod has very short roots which makes it harder for it to retain a lot of moisture. It is better to water new sod in a short burst with less, as opposed to large amounts of water at once. Overwatering new sod will prevent the roots of the sod from getting the oxygen they need to thrive. If you are planting new sod in warm weather, overwatering can also lead to disease. One way to tell if your sod is being overwatered is to check the bottom of the soil a few minutes after watering. If the soil under the sod is still soggy five minutes after your watering session has ended, chances are you are overwatering your new sod.
How to keep grass from growing in Colorado?
Never cut more than a third of the lawn’s height in a single mowing, and keep it at 2-3″ in height. Cutting it too short can weaken the root system and cause the soil to dry out, especially in the dry Colorado weather. This can also promote weed growth.
When is the best time to fertilize a lawn?
Spring and fall are the best times to fertilize, and even and appropriate amounts should be used to avoid burns or stripes. After your final mowing in the fall is a great time to fertilize to help promote root growth and encourage a great spring lawn.
Can cutting grass short cause weeds?
Cutting it too short can weaken the root system and cause the soil to dry out, especially in the dry Colorado weather. This can also promote weed growth. Using dull blades. Dull lawn mower blades can tear grass blades which encourages disease.
Is it hard to care for sod in Colorado?
Caring for your sod doesn’t have to be hard , but using the right kind for your needs is important to keep it beautiful. Whether you are needing new sod or support with sod care, contact Emerald Sod today to learn more about the best sod for Colorado, applications, pricing, and sod maintenance.
How much should I water after laying sod?
After you lay your sod, you should water it every day for three days. After those first three days, you should continue to water your sod every other day until it is at least two weeks old.
How to check soil moisture in new sod?
What tools can I use to check soil moisture in new sod? Gauge the depth of moisture by using a long screwdriver. Insert it into the ground at various distances away from your sod, and when you feel moist soil, that is how deep to water.
What is sod?
First, let’s start with the basic question, what is sod? Sod is a product that has been cut from the ground and packaged with its roots still intact. Sod is a type of turf that has been cut into large rectangular pieces. This turf can be installed by laying it over an area, then using a lawn roller to compress the new sod and remove air pockets.
How do you know if you're overwatering 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 there’s water standing around your new grass plants for more than two hours after watering.
How to measure moisture in soil?
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.
How long does it take for a new lawn to wilt?
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.
Why is my sod wilting?
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.
Can dogs be on new sod?
It's OK to use a new lawn lightly during the first few weeks; walking across it is ok, but wait a little while to play any sports or games. Also, its best to keep dogs off of new sod as their shallow roots are extra susceptible to urine spots.
Does sod need to be moist?
Newly installed sod needs to be kept in moist soil. It does not yet have the deep roots established that allows it to survive without moisture.
Should I fertilize new sod?
Should I fertilize? Do not fertilize on top of new sod, as the fertilizer can easily burn the immature root system. If you did not fertilize the soil prior to sod installation, wait 2 weeks and fertilize once the sod is established. Previous: Sod Installation.
