Sometimes when a lawn has reached a certain point of no return, you just crave to give it a makeover in one fell swoop. The dream is to come home from work and find an emerald green expanse awaiting you where once there were weeds and brown patches.
And that is where sod comes into play.
Quick and easy to install, sod is grass that’s grown in ideal conditions, transported in uniform rolls, and then installed as needed to completely transform a yard or landscape in a very short period of time.
If you’ve recently had sod installed or are considering doing so, you may be wondering how best to protect that investment and ensure that it takes root, thrives, and remains a showpiece for many years to come. Fortunately, with a little dedication and know-how, it’s not tough to do.
Follow the tips below, and you’ll be well on your way to making your new sod (not to mention children, pets, and bare toes) very, very happy:
Water Frequently But Not Indiscriminately
Sod needs water. And quickly. As soon as it’s laid (and sometimes even before the laying is complete—especially if it’s a particularly hot day), it’s crucial to soak it well. The soil beneath the sod should be wet 7-10 cm down to promote quick rooting and to prevent dry soil sucking moisture from the sensitive sod itself. But don’t overdo it. While moist soil is ideal, soggy or muddy conditions can result in rot (not to mention a mess).
Throughout the first couple of weeks, new sod should be watered twice daily—once in the morning and once in the late afternoon. Evening and night waterings are to be avoided if possible since grass that is wet for prolonged periods can be more susceptible to mould and fungus.
Over time, reduce watering to about 2.5 cm of water per week, and remember that infrequent but deep waterings are best for most grass varieties. Visually inspect your turf as it takes root to ensure that edges and tough-to-reach areas are getting enough water (not turning yellow or brown).
Stay Off The Sod!
It may be tempting for kids, adults, and pets alike to run on the new soft sod. But a little patience is key. Root failure or poor rooting can be the result of sod getting compacted too soon. The small roots are delicate, so give them at least a couple of weeks before checking if they’re well-established and ready to withstand the pressure of human footsteps.
Let It Grow Before You Mow
As with walking on sod, mowing is an activity that will have to wait until roots are well established. But, somewhere between 2-5 weeks after installation, you’ll be able to give your sod its first haircut. Put your mower blade on its highest setting to avoid removing too large a percentage of the newly grown grass and putting your sod under stress.
Fertilize Regularly
About a month after your sod is installed is a great time to fertilize it for the first time. Liquid fertilizer is a perfect choice, as it easily permeates down to the roots in the lower portion of your soil. As long as your sod is looking healthy, you can fertilize six months down the road and then once a year after that.
Winnipeg Lawn Care Services
Seeking lawn care experts who can install your sod and professionally maintain it too? Contact Cleanr Property Maintenance today!
