Maintenance  

Watering

  • Water thoroughly immediately after installation. Soak soil 4" to 6" deep beneath the sod.
  • On very hot days, water small sections at a time immediately after installation.
  • Watering immediately is the most important factor in ensuring the survival of your sod! Adequate, but not excessive, watering is crucial.
  • Check sod strips daily to see whether the soil underneath is moist. Continue until you can no longer lift sod strips at corners.
  • Water even on days when there is light rain or sprinkling.
  • After 2 weeks, reduce watering frequency to every 2 or 3 days for a month. Water as needed after the month is over.

Mowing

  • Do not mow for several days after installation.
  • Mow to a height of 2" to 2 1/2" for the first 2 or 3 mowings.
  • If using a rotary mower, throttle down to avoid lifting or damaging the sod.
  • Once the sod is well rooted, reduce cutting height to 1" to 1 1/2" in sunny locations. Continue mowing to a height of 2" to 2 1/2" in shady areas.

Fertilizing

  • Do not apply fertilizer or weed-control chemicals to newly installed sod.
  • Once the sod is well rooted (5 to 6 weeks after installation), lightly fertilize it.
  • From there on, follow the fertilization schedule.

Adapted from "Turfgrass Care for Newly Installed Sod" by C. R. Skogley, University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service.

 
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