How to Maintain New Sod Lawn

Grass sod

After you lay new sod, you must take care of it properly so that the roots take hold and the lawn continues to grow. Ignoring the newly laid sod will cause it to die. After you lay the new sod, you will need to follow a schedule so that the sod continues to grow. However, the most important thing to remember is the watering schedule, which must be maintained for the first few months after planning.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Weed control
• Gas lawn mower

Instructions

1. Water the sod three times a day for the first week. Water the sod at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. in the morning and at 2 p.m. In the second week, water the sod at 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. For weeks three and four, water the sod at 7 a.m. Refrain from watering on days when rain is predicted. After this, water every three days during the warmer months.

2. Treat the sod with fertilizer that is 27-5-5 (5 percent potassium, 5 percent phosphorous and 27 percent nitrogen. Use this fertilizer to promote growth during the warmer months. Use the 15-15-15 for the first time in the spring and the last time in the fall. Fertilize the sod one month after it has been planted with the correct time of year fertilizer.

3. Control the weeds that may start growing in the new sod. For sod that is showing signs of weeds, manually pull the weeds or use a chemical weed killer to stop the weed growth. For weeds that have germinated, use a postemergent weed killer and for weeds are just germinating, use a preemergent weed killer. Use the weed killer after the sod has been established for at least one month and at the first sign of weeds.

4. Mow the sod for the first time, one week after planting. Only remove one-third of the blade when you mow. Don't let the sod grow too tall or it can cause damage to the new grass. When the lawn gets to a height where you can cut one-third off the top, use a mower with a sharp blade to prevent ripping at the blade of grass.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't water sod or any grass between the hours of 4 p.m. and 4 a.m. It can cause fungi and root rot.

References

• Maintaining Sod Lawn