How soon should you fertilize new sod?

The Answers You Need

When to fertilize new sod? You will want to wait 30 days after installing your new sod to apply fertilizer, to give it time to take root and acclimate to your yard. How long should I wait before mowing new sod? You should wait 14 days for your first mow to avoid any damage to the roots.

Should you fertilize newly laid sod?

Should I fertilize new sod? Absolutely! New lawns thrive with the application of quality fertilizer, which works to help create and maintain a sustainable root system that will keep your yard lush for years to come.

When should I apply fertilizer to new sod?

We recommend that you fertilize the new sod at the time of installation with "Sod or Seed Starter" fertilizer at the recommended label rate. After establishment we recommend feeding your lawn at 4-6 week intervals from March - October. Use a summer fertilizer form March—July and fall fertilizer from August—October.

What is the best fertilizer for newly laid sod?

NEW SOD LAWNS

A fertilizer with an adequate amount of phosphorus is best. Apply fertilizer with a listing of 16-16-16 (rate: 6.5 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.) or 10-20- 20 (rate: 10 lbs / 1000 sq.

What happens if you fertilize sod too soon?

Some nutrients will leach below the grass roots because the grass can't use them yet. This results in a waste of fertilizer, time and money. Fertilizing too soon can induce nutrient deficiencies and off-color areas in your lawn. This is why many lawns have bright yellow areas in early spring.

New Sod Fertilizing And Treatment Schedule | New Sod Care

What should you not do with new sod?

Do not use a riding mower as it is too heavy and its powered wheels can tear up the new sod. After the sod has fully rooted (approximately 3 weeks), regular mowing can commence. For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing and maintain sharp mower blades.

Can you walk on sod after 2 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.

Will new sod come back after turning brown?

Even the sod that you purchase to be planted into your yard could be dormant and brown, but it can still be installed sooner rather than later. With the proper care, irrigation, and soil maintenance, you can successfully install sod in your lawn, and it will turn into a beautiful green when the dormant period ends.

How long does it take for sod lines to disappear?

Proper watering is essential as sod pieces are like a sponge. When they get dry, they shrink and expose more of the lines. Sod lines usually disappear after the first grass cutting (3 weeks).

Is it better to water new sod in the morning or evening?

Watering Your New Sod Lawn After The First Two Weeks

Water once a day after the first mowing for the next week. Watering is the most effective if done during the early morning hours. 2 am to 4 am start times are great when sunlight and heat cannot cause excessive evaporation.

How long does it take for sod to take root?

It can take up to six weeks for the sod to develop a deep root system. As the sod develops its shallow root system and moves on to develop a deeper root system, it's critical to increase the amount of time between waterings to encourage roots to grow deeper in search of moisture without stressing the lawn.

How do you take care of newly laid sod?

Proper watering of sod is essential for root establishment. The day of installation, enough water should be applied to penetrate the sod and two inches of native soil. to six times during the day, for approximately five to six minutes each time, is required until the roots have been established.

Is it normal for sod to turn yellow?

If you fail to give the sod enough water or fail to water it often after installation, or leave it to dry while it's in the waiting for installation, yellowing is a common sight. Whenever this happens, just stop and water the new or freshly laid sod after few pieces so it doesn't dry out completely.

Do you water new sod every day?

Your new lawn needs to be watered twice a day, for about 20 minutes per session every day for at least two months. This should be enough so that your lawn gets a solid six inches of watering per cycle.

How long should sod be watered daily after installation?

Newly laid sod should be watered for at least 45 minutes immediately following your sod installation. Too short of a watering time won't allow the sod or soil to gather enough moisture to begin the rooting process. Provide your sod with ample water that will enable the roots to grow into the soil.

What does overwatering new sod look like?

Brown, Wilting Grass Blades. Yellow or brown and wilting grass can be a sign of overwatered new sod. This is a tricky one. Some Florida homeowners notice brown spots in new sod and panic, dumping even more water on their lawn, assuming it's too dry.

Will gaps in sod fill in?

If your newly laid lawn look healthy but you can see gaps between turfs, brush a mix of enriched soil and grass seed into the cracks, keep well-watered and those lines will soon blend in.

Can you water new sod too much?

Overwatering new sod will prevent the roots of the sod from getting the oxygen they need to thrive. If you are planting new sod in warm weather, overwatering can also lead to disease. One way to tell if your sod is being overwatered is to check the bottom of the soil a few minutes after watering.

Why is my new sod not taking root?

The Soil Wasn't Properly Prepared

Your new sod needs to establish its roots in the soil, to take advantage of the water and nutrients there. Leaving a layer of grass underneath your new sod prevents it from taking root and increases the chance that the new lawn will die from lack of nutrients and moisture.

Why is my 2 month old sod turning brown?

Brown Spots in New Sod Could be a Lawn Disease

Your new sod is getting a lot of water at first as it gets established, and that extra moisture can make it susceptible to fungus that causes brown spots in your new sod.

How do you know if sod has taken root?

It's pretty simple. Just gently lift a corner of a piece of sod. If the roots haven't developed (or haven't developed fully), you will find that there's no resistance when you lift the sod. If it has rooted, it should be somewhat difficult for you to lift the sod.

How do I get my new sod to root?

The key to ensuring healthy shallow root formation is to start watering your new grass immediately after the sod is placed and continue to do so daily for the next week. This is an extremely sensitive stage, therefore, you should avoid walking on the sod or mowing the lawn during this period.

How can you tell if sod is healthy?

Check your new sod thoroughly to make sure it has the right moisture, thickness and proper color. Keep in mind that healthy sod exhibits dense foliage with a uniform green hue. You should note that healthy sod has moist soil near the roots and the roots should appear thick and intertwined close together.

Why did my sod turn yellow the next day?

Failing to water the sod quickly enough after installation, or allowing it to dry out too much while it's stacked and waiting for installation, is the most common cause of yellowing. Whenever possible, stop and water the freshly laid sod after every few pieces so they don't dry out in the sun.

Is it OK to water new sod at night?

For the first week after installation, apply a quarter-inch of water twice daily. Water first in the early morning, between 4 and 10 a.m., then again in the late afternoon or early evening. This consistent hydration will help the grass produce new feeder roots, making for a stronger and more resilient lawn.