Congratulations on that newly sodded lawn!
You have just made a hefty investment. Now, you need to do everything for the new sod maintenance and ensure the lawn takes root down quickly. That is a quintessential step!
The way you care for your new sod during the first weeks directly affects the sod’s future health and appearance.
But how do you do it? We will tell you! Read on for the beneficial tips for maintaining new sod.
Pre-Installation Care
New sod maintenance starts before it is even laid down. The soil in which the landscapers are going to install the sod must be watered properly before the installation.
Dry soil removes all moisture from sod. Thus, the sod finds it harder to take root. It is also advisable to treat the soil with pre-plant fertilizer before laying down the sod.
Life span of sod is short and hence cannot be stored in the side yard or garage for a long time. The Buffalo heat will build up and damage the sod’s roots and surface. So, we recommend installing the sod as soon as it is delivered.
Post-Installation Care
First Day
Water the new sod immediately after it is installed. Irrigate it liberally till the water penetrates a few inches into the soil. It should feel soggy to walk on. Check the new sod after every few hours. If the ground doesn’t feel soggy enough, water it more. You can never overwater new sod.
Following Two Weeks After Say One
The new sod grass has small roots. Hence, it can absorb so much water at a time. The best tips for maintaining new sod are to irrigate it multiple times a day for short periods.
Schedule the sod watering in the morning and afternoon hours. Avoid watering it in the late evening or at night. There will be chances of fungus problems arising.
Water the new sod 2 to 6 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time. If the temperature is hotter, increase the time more. The bottom line is to keep the new sod and soil underneath moist, but not soggy.
Try staying off the new sod for the first two weeks. The roots will take time to take hold and dig in. Don’t mow it until the 14-day mark. The day before you plan on mowing, ease up on the watering schedule. Also, don’t cut the grass more than the top 1/3rd of its blades.
After Two Weeks
Once you mow the new sod for the first time, slowly decrease the number of times you water per day. However, increase the length of time for each watering cycle.
By now the roots will be well established. So, they will be able to handle larger quantities of water. Repeat the process of reducing the watering frequency gradually over the next few weeks. In the end, you will come to irrigate the sod once per day and eventually to 1-2 times per week.
New Sod Troubleshooting Tips
1. Sod not taking root – Provide enough shade
2. Bluish grey spots on sod – Increase the minutes per watering
3. Mushrooms – Water deeper and less often
4. Edges turning brown – Try hand watering
Create The Best Lawn On The block with Prime Landscapers
When it comes to the best sod installation in Buffalo NY, Prime Landscapers is the most recommended name. Our landscapers will install and take the best care of your sod grass.
Read this article also to get more information –Find out the Best Landscaping Company in Buffalo