How do I care for my sod after installation?
New Sod Care
- Proper watering is essential to establishment (rooting) of your new sod.
- As a general rule, keep sod and soil moist all throughout the day.
- Stay off new sod until after the first mowing.
- Try cutting back frequency of irrigations just before the first mow to firm up the soil.
How do I prepare my lawn for new sod?
But it takes some careful preparation:
- Measure the area that needs replacing.
- Buy about a third more sod than that amount.
- Remove the dead grass.
- Loosen up the soil in your patch area.
- Remove some soil if you need to, leaving enough space so your new sod will be level with your existing lawn.
Do I need to fertilize before laying sod?
Tips for Laying Sod | Be sure to fertilize first! Apply a Starter Fertilizer first, before laying down the sod. You would also want to include an application of Gypsum, which will loosen the existing ground and encourage a healthier root system.
How long does it take for sod lines to disappear?
between 4 and 6 weeks
The lines between new sods usually take between 4 and 6 weeks to completely disappear.
Should I put topsoil down before sod?
You need to add topsoil before laying sod if your existing topsoil is less than 2 inches (5 cm) deep and the soil below that is mostly clay or sand. Sod will struggle to root in extremely sandy or clay soil, so adding topsoil will help your grass flourish.
Is it OK to water new sod at night?
Watering in the evening is discouraged—water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus. Within a few weeks, when the sod has started rooting into the soil, you will not have to water it as much.
How long after sod can you walk on it?
two weeks
If you walk on your sod before its roots have established, you’re lessening your chances of success. How long must you wait to use your new sod lawn? The general recommendation is to wait two weeks – but the number of days you wait is really dependent on determining that the lawn has, indeed, taken root.