How To Care For New Sod Grass -

Sod grass is a great way to change and improve the look of your landscaping and grass.

And installing new sod is a quick way to establish a beautiful lawn without waiting forever.

Creating a lush and beautiful lawn is an attainable goal; if you understand the principles of grass care and lawn maintenance.

A newly installed lawn requires a few easy-to-follow steps to ensure it takes root and flourishes.

With a little time and effort, you can keep it healthy and looking great.

As an avid lawn enthusiast, I’m excited to share a few tips I’ve learned along the way advice on.

These simple tips will help show you how to care for new sod grass; and properly nurture it so you can achieve the best results.

Watering New Sod:

Watering and irrigation is the most vital part of establishing a newly sodded lawn.

Known as a building block of life, water is an essential part of keeping your lawn healthy and looking its best.

But, with so many varieties of grasses, it can be confusing to understand exactly how to water each one properly.

Luckily, watering new sod doesn’t have to be complicated; and it is relatively easy to keep your lawn hydrated and thriving!

Water it regularly to keep the soil moist consistently.

How to water new sod grass

You can get water on your lawn with a sprinkler, soaker hose, or irrigation system.

The main objective is to saturate the soil thoroughly so the sod adheres to the ground.

You should start watering immediately after your new turf is installed.

The initial watering should last for at least 45 minutes to a few hours;

It allows the grass to start recovering from the transport and installation process.

This step will help reduce heat stress and also help the rooting process.

How often to water new sod

There are multiple factors that determine how often you water your new sod.

The type of grass you have, the weather, and the season determine the watering frequency.

Generally, you should water your new sod grass daily or for at least 15-20 minutes;

Continue with a consistent schedule for the first 2 – 4 weeks.

It may be necessary to water two to three times per day, during summer and on very warm days.

You can skip a few days in between watering sessions if there’s a lot of rain.

New Sod Watering Schedule

Creating an effective watering plan for your new sod doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

Water new lawn frequently until the grass takes root and the soil begins to stabilize; this process can take up to two months, so patience is key!

Newly sod needs 1-2 inches of water per week during the first two weeks after installation, especially if it does not rain.

Water daily for the first few weeks.

Watering between 6:00 am – 8:00 am; and 12 noon – 2:00 pm when temperatures reach 88 degrees F or higher.
After the first couple of weeks, turn the sprinklers off for a couple of days.
Doing this allows your soil to dry out, which is good for the grass and gives the soil a chance to firm up.

Weeks 3 and 4 should consist of watering every other day,
Your grass should be on its way, so you can now reduce the amount and frequency until your grass is established.
After the lawn is well established, water the lawn whenever the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

Overwatering New Sod

Water is the lifeline for new turfgrass, but care should be taken to avoid over-watering.

Over-watering new sod can lead to shallow root growth and make the sod more prone to pests and diseases.

Severely overwatered grass can drown and die.

So, the key is to water the sod deeply, then give some time for the topsoil to dry for a couple of days.

Mowing:

If you have just installed new sod, congratulations!

I know how exciting it can be.

When you first get your new sod, you will want to enjoy it, water it, and mow it as soon as possible.

But, before you get started take a moment to refresh your knowledge on basic lawn care.

When To Mow New Sod

Wait at least two weeks after installation before mowing for the first time. This will allow the roots to become established.

You can begin mowing once your grass has started rooting and the ground is firm enough to handle the weight of your mower and foot traffic.

Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application.

The first time you mow your new sod, wait until the grass is well rooted.

when can you mow new sod

How To Mow New Sod

Set the blade height on your mower to the highest setting for the first cut.

Lower your blade height each time you cut until you reach the desired height.

Most people start cutting the grass 3 to 5 weeks after installation.

Start reducing the amount and frequency of watering days leading up to your first mow.

Since riding mowers and zero turn (ztr) mowers weigh so much, they often leave deep ruts in the turf and the soft topsoil beneath.

For this reason, avoid using heavy machinery on your new lawn until your grass is well established and growing strong.

Mow regularly, using an operational mower, with a sharp blade.

Adjust mowing height as seasons change and try keep a consistent schedule.

Fertilization: How To Fertilize New Sod

In addition to water, your new sod will need proper nutrition in the form of fertilizer and nutritional amendments.

The process of fertilizing new sod grass is important for the overall health and success of the lawn.

Fertilization helps the grass to become established more quickly and also helps to thicken up the lawn.

There are a few different methods that can be used, and each has its own benefits.

When To Fertilize New Sod

How Soon Can You Fertilize New Sod?

After 30 days or more, you can start a fertilization and maintenance routine for your lawn.

If your installation is done in winter or summer, you may need to wait before you apply the fertilizer.

We recommend a good starter fertilizer and a good balanced maintenance fertilizer.

There are many types of lawn fertilizer options available for you, but we prefer using organic lawn fertilizers as they don’t burn your grass.

They also help improve soil composition, and don’t have harsh chemicals.

How Often Can You Fertilize New Sod?

When fertilizing, adjust the amount and frequency based on the climate and season.

Generally, once a month is good during spring and summer.

Depending on what zone you live in, you may or may not be able to apply fertilizer in the fall and winter months.

New Sod Fertilizer

A good lawn starter fertilizer for new sod helps your new lawn root, by providing additional nutrients that encourage root growth.

Slow release organic fertilizers work best with recently transplanted turf

Best Fertilizer for new sod

When can you walk on new sod?

How long to stay off new sod

When you install new sod, you may be eager to walk on it and enjoy your lawn.

After you lay new sod, you have to give it time to grow and mature before letting your dog back on it.

How long before you can walk on new sod?

If you have warm-season grass, like Bermuda, Zoysia, or St. Augustine, you’ll need to wait until the grass is fully rooted, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.

For cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or perennial ryegrass, you can start walking on it a few weeks after installation.

If you have to walk on your new grass, wait until the ground is firm and dry.

How Long Should I Keep My Dog Off New sod?

You’ve just had new sod installed in your yard, and you can’t wait to get out and let your dog run around on it.

Your dog wants to check out the grass and the excitement is overwhelming.

Before you give him free reign of the yard, you wonder how long should you keep your dog off the new sod?

That depends on a few factors, including the type of grass, the size of your dog, and how well the sod is rooted.

1. A good rule of thumb is to keep your dog off the sod for at least two weeks.

This will give the sod time to establish itself and become strong enough to withstand normal wear and tear.

You may want to wait even longer if you have a young puppy or a very active dog.

2. After a few weeks, you can slowly start letting your dog use the lawn more and more.

Allow them to roam for a few minutes first, then gradually increase their time on the grass.

When you do start to allow your dog on the lawn, keep the feces and urine off the new grass as much as possible.

3. After 4 to 6 weeks, most grass is rooted and established well enough to allow access to the area.

Following these steps will give your new sod a better chance of taking root and staying healthy.

Soon enough, you and your furry friend will be able to enjoy your green lawn together..

How Long Does Sod Take To Root?

If you’re wondering how long it will sod take to root.

The answer can vary depending on the type of sod, the time of year, and the growing conditions.

The good news is that, in most cases, new sod will start to show signs of growth within a week or two.

Root establishment is much faster during warmer months; when atmospheric temperatures are above 80 degrees, and soil temperatures are above 60 degrees.

In general, most types of sod will take about 4 – 6 weeks to root in fully.

However, there are some things that you can do to help speed up the process..