When you’ve had sod installation service done and have created a beautiful lush green lawn, you need to protect that investment and make sure it looks amazing for years to come. This newly installed sod requires special care for the first 2-3 weeks, ensuring that it establishes a solid root system and stays healthy.
If you have any questions about sod care, installation, or irrigation, please contact us. Our Rock Solid sod installation service contractors can help walk you through the process.
The Crucial First Two Weeks of Sod Care
Water! Water! Water everywhere. The first two weeks of sod care means watering your new lawn a lot. New sod needs more water than an established lawn. Its immature root system soaks up the water quickly and dries out faster.
Immediately after installation, soak your sod until it is completely saturated, it should feel like a wet sponge. This initial watering is crucial. Keep applying at least a half inch of water, two times daily, for the first two weeks. Allow the water to soak into the soil so that it continues to feel squishy.
If you notice the edges of your sod browning or gaps forming between the rolls, you’re not watering enough or your sprinklers aren’t reaching those areas. You may have to adjust your sprinklers or hand water those areas to ensure it’s getting enough water.
Other important care tips for these first two weeks after installation:
- Keep traffic to a minimum.
- Do not apply fertilizer for the first 60 days.
- Check moisture by inserting a metal rod or screwdriver into the soil underneath the sod, it should be easy to push in and have moisture along the first three to four inches.
Watering After the First Two Weeks
After the roots have started becoming stronger and more established, you can reduce the frequency of watering. We suggest one time per day for the third and fourth weeks, then every other day throughout the summer. However, be sure to check the water restrictions in your area.
In the hotter days of summer, you may have to water a bit more. Check the edges of your lawn and the high spots in your yard, these tend to dry out fastest.
You may notice that your grass requires its first mowing around the three to four-week mark. To keep your sod healthy, mow at the highest setting of your lawnmower and at an angle across the seam.
Making Watering Your Lawn Easier
Hand watering is time consuming, especially if you’re doing it two times a day after sod installation. With irrigation systems, the days of hauling hoses and hooking up sprinkler are over. Set the time and date and let your irrigation system do the work.
A smart irrigation system allows you to run your irrigation system with a couple taps on your phone. Having a backyard party? Easily turn off your sprinklers so your guests don’t get soaked.
Storm coming through? The smart controller takes into account the weather, allowing you to water only when conditions require. Combining this feature with the efficiency and specificity of the irrigation system, you’ll conserve water by 40-50%, reducing your water consumption and bill.
Learn more about Smart Sprinkler Controllers:
Installing a Smart Irrigation System in Your Yard
The Rock Solid team takes into account your soil composition and lawn topography to design an effective irrigation system for your yard. Depending on the size of the yard, many installations can be completed within a day.
We understand that landscaping is a major investment and we want to help protect it by keeping your yard healthy. We take into account your budget and offer irrigation system financing options.
With our FREE estimates, it costs nothing to find out just how the Rock Solid team can help keep your yard lush and green all summer long.
