New Sod Resources: Care and Maintenance Tips

As your premier Kentucky bluegrass sod farms in Minnesota, we understand that new sod care and maintenance are essential to establishing a lush, healthy lawn that lasts for years to come. And we at GreenTurf want to ensure you have the knowledge and understanding to do so. We put together these guidelines to help you nurture your new sod effectively.

Follow these tips after installing new sod to promote long-lasting health and beauty. Contact us with any questions and to learn more.

The key to establishing new sod is to keep it properly watered for the first month. Immediately after installing the sod, water thoroughly making it spongy to the step. The new sod should be kept thoroughly wet to a depth of 4 to 6 inches and watered 3 to 5 times a day during the first 7 to 14 days depending on the season (i.e., more during the hot summer months). Lift a corner of the sod to determine the depth of moisture.

In the first week, it is very important to keep the new sod damp. During this time, stay off the sod so it can take root and to prevent depressions from being left by your footsteps. During hot weather, sprinklers should run several times a day so the new sod never dries out. If allowed to dry out, the sod will shrink, brown, and potentially die. The roots of your new sod will penetrate the soil faster and root down sooner if proper­ly watered. At the end of week 2, dry up the yard enough so you can mow.

Your new lawn should be mowed at the end of week 2 or if your lawn exceeds 3-1/2 inches tall. Back off on the watering so the turf is dry to the touch and firm enough to walk on without sinking in. If your new lawn reaches over 3-1/2 inches, mow off a third of the length even if it has not been two weeks. Do not cut shorter than 2 inches for the first few times you mow. Exercise caution the first time you mow so you do not damage or pull up the sod. If some of the sod does move around, don't worry. Just put it back in place and it will grow in.

This period is used to transition from frequent daily watering to fewer cycles per day and increase the number of days between waterings. During week 3, reduce waterings to between 1 and 3 times per day and skip a day between watering if the new sod is not drying out. By week 4, water 1 to 2 times every other day. After week 4, your new yard should be ready to go 2 to 3 days between wa­tering.

Water your lawn in the evening or early morning when less evaporation occurs. To reduce run-off on hills and promote deep root growth, reduce watering times in half. One hour later, run the irrigation cycle again and apply the rest of the water. This allows the water to soak into heavy soils.

Your new lawn will need more water in the first growing season and especially the first 6 months. As it roots deeper throughout the year it will need less water. If your lawn looks dry, it probably needs watering. The key to new sod care during this time is watering deeply and less frequently. This will help the roots grow down and develop a deep root system that uses less water.

After the first 2 months, it is okay to stress your lawn a little. This means let your yard dry out a bit and making sure you water when you see signs of stress starting to appear. This will also allow you to fine-tune the sprin­kler system, adjust heads for proper coverage, and change nozzles for more or less water in cer­tain spots.

* Sod Care Instructions provided by Green Valley Turf Co. http://gvt.net/turf-care/new-sod-care