Sod Maintenance Guide
Complete care instructions to ensure your new sod establishes perfectly and thrives for years to come
Critical First 24 Hours
Water your new sod immediately after installation. The first watering is the most important - soak thoroughly to ensure good soil contact and prevent the sod from drying out.
Establishment Timeline
Follow this proven timeline to ensure your sod establishes properly and develops a strong root system
First 2 Weeks - Establishment Phase
- Water new sod immediately after installation
- Water daily - keep soil consistently moist but not soggy
- Apply 1/2 to 1 inch of water as deep soaking
- Avoid walking on new sod during establishment
- Do not mow until sod is firmly rooted
Weeks 3-4 - Root Development
- Transition to deep, less frequent watering
- Water every 5-7 days with deep soaking
- Begin light foot traffic once sod lifts easily
- First mowing when grass reaches optimal height
- Never remove more than 1/3 of shoot growth
Month 2-3 - Growing Season Care
- Continue deep, infrequent watering schedule
- Apply complete fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphate, potassium
- Monthly fertilizer applications during growing season
- Regular mowing at proper height for grass type
- Apply pre-emergent weed control if needed
Ongoing Maintenance
- Maintain consistent watering schedule
- Apply 2-4 lbs nitrogen per 1000 sq ft annually
- Spring and fall fertilization for cool-season grass
- Monthly nitrogen applications for warm-season grass
- Use sharp mower blades for clean cuts
Seasonal Care Calendar
Adjust your maintenance routine based on the season for optimal lawn health
Spring Care
- Resume regular watering schedule
- Apply pre-emergent herbicide
- Begin regular mowing
- First fertilizer application
- Overseed thin areas
Summer Care
- Deep, infrequent watering
- Mow higher to retain moisture
- Monitor for heat stress
- Apply summer fertilizer
- Control weeds and pests
Fall Care
- Aerate compacted soil
- Final fertilizer application
- Rake and remove leaves
- Overseed cool-season grasses
- Prepare irrigation for winter
Winter Care
- Minimal watering as needed
- Keep off frozen grass
- Plan next year's improvements
- Service mowing equipment
- Monitor for winter diseases
Grass-Specific Care Guide
Each grass type has unique requirements. Follow these specific guidelines for optimal results.
| Grass Type | Season | Mow Height | Water Frequency | Fertilizer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bermuda Grass | Warm Season | 1/2 - 1 inch | Deep soak every 5-7 days (.5-1 inch) | 2-4 lbs nitrogen/1000 sq ft annually, monthly during growing season | Use MSMA and 2-4D for weed control, avoid frequent shallow watering |
| Zoysia Grass | Warm Season | 1/2 - 1 1/2 inches | Deep soak every 5-7 days (at least 1 inch) | Complete fertilizer spring/fall, 2-4 lbs nitrogen/1000 sq ft annually | Weekly mowing at 1 inch helps establishment, use 2-4D for weeds |
| Tall Fescue | Cool Season | 2 - 3 inches | Every 3-7 days (.5-1 inch) | Spring and fall complete fertilizer applications | Leave clippings, never remove more than 1/3 of growth |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | Cool Season | 2 - 3 inches | Regular deep watering as needed | Complete fertilizer with balanced NPK | Disease resistant variety, suitable for high-traffic areas |
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