The expense of installing fresh sod is a significant upfront expenditure for your property. However, if sod maintenance is done correctly, it will provide a considerable return. To avoid harming your new sod, you must learn to care for, treat, and maintain it regularly, particularly during the critical first few weeks following sod installation.
New Sod Maintenance Recommendations
You must immediately follow a step-by-step to-do list following your sod installation. You must understand how to correctly water, mow, and fertilize your sod so that it may take root and grow into a valuable part of your yard.
1. Water the Sod Correctly
Watering new sod is not the same as watering old grass. The most common reason fresh sod fails to take root is incorrect watering. The first few days after installation, the first few inches of sod must be thoroughly soaked with water. After that, you must maintain it wet until the roots have formed. This usually equals 30 minutes to an hour of sprinkling every day, which is crucial for sod maintenance. Once your sod has taken root, you may cut down on watering to one inch each week. If you find your new sod becoming yellow, you may be overwatering it, so gradually reduce the quantity of water you use.
2. Avoid Stressing the Sod
Stressing sod is another common reason for sod failure, which can happen by mowing or brushing against it too closely or by over-irrigating or compacting the soil. Simply walking or playing too close to the sod can damage your sod and the root system. Be sure to avoid these stressors by staying at least a foot away from the sod or by laying mulch that helps to protect it from foot traffic.
3. Fertilize Your Sod
Fertilizing your new sod is also an essential step in sod care, even though you wait for the roots to take hold. The roots will draw on the nutrients within the soil, so to aid them and give them time to grow, you should apply a balanced fertilizer sprinkled around the perimeter of your new sod. This will supply the nutrients they need while they are waiting to attach.
4. Be Careful Mowing
If your new sod is planted in a location you’ll be walking on, such as around your sidewalk, you must be careful of the mower. You should mow around the perimeter of your new sod and not directly over them. This will help protect the root system from being cut and damaging the sod.
5. Watch Out for Disease
New sod is prone to disease. If you find your fresh sod becoming gray, it may have become infected with a fungus. Use an organic fungicide or ask your installation firm for advice based on the type of sod.
Hire a Professional for the Best Sod Maintenance
Suppose you are concerned that sod maintenance is not your thing, or you are just interested in getting a professional opinion. In that case, you should consider hiring a landscaping expert to care for your new sod.
Hiring a professional will ensure that your new sod is not damaged through improper care. In addition, their years of experience and knowledge will help them provide the best care to your new sod so that you can reap the benefits of this investment for years to come.
Clear Cut Group is here for you if you’re looking for sod installation services. Clear Cut Group offers the best sodding services to ensure that you get quality and long-lasting sod installations. Get a fast quote today!
