Proper Watering Care for Newly Laid Sod
     1. Watering should be started immediately after the sod is installed. 
     2. It is essential that enough water be put down the first time so you thoroughly soak the sod and the soil under the sod.  You can check the moisture content by lifting up a flap of the sod and sticking your finger into the soil.  It should be moist several inches deep.  By giving the sod a heavy first watering you will rid the sodded area of air pockets which dry out the sod.
    3. Pay special attention to the corners and edges of newly sodded areas, they tend to dry out sooner and are hard to water properly.  You may have to hand water these areas.
     4. If a newly sodded area accidentally does dry out it will probably turn brown.  It is not dead, and will green up in about two weeks with enough water application.
     5. After the first watering, water enough to keep the soil under the sod moist, not muddy.  In cool weather this may mean watering only every 3 or 4 days.  In very hot weather, you may have to water daily.  Do not allow the sod or soil underneath to dry out between waterings.
     6. In about two weeks the sod should begin to knit (root) to the soil underneath and watering can be lessened to once or twice per week depending on the weather conditions.  Water anytime the sod has a dry pale blue gray color or if the grass does not spring back after walking on it.

Mowing
     About two weeks after installation, your new lawn may need mowing.  It is important to let your lawn dry out for a day or two so it firms up a little bit before going over it with a heavy machine.  Make sure that the mowing height is set at about 3".  Letting your lawn grow a little longer is good for the grass because it encourages a strong root system.  Never mow shorter than 2" and never remove more than 1/3 of the grass leaf at any one mowing.  Leave the short clippings on the lawn so they can decompose and provide added nutrients.  Mulching also solves the grass clipping disposal problem.  It is important to keep the mower blade sharp.  A dull blade will shred the tips of the grass blades, discolor the lawn and invite disease.  The mower blade should probably be sharpened once or twice a year.  

Fertilizing Your New Lawn
     Your lawn was fertilized at the time of sod installation.  We recommend fertilizing your lawn a total of 4 times per year with the following formulations or something reasonably close to them.  Discount store or Garden Center products are fine.  The brands of fertilizers vary but most will have the same three elements which are:
Nitrogen (N) Helps to promote growth
Phosphorus (P) Helps to encourage root development
Potassium (K) Helps in general hardiness and disease resistance

Apply according to the label directions.
     1. Mid March (Easter)  12-12-12 with crabgrass pre-emergent
     2. Mid May (Mother's Day) 12-3-15
     3. Mid August (Labor Day) 25-5-15                  
     4. Late October-early November (Halloween) 6-24-24   
Herbicides and pesticides should be used on an as needed basis only.

Other Controls
There are many possible pests, diseases, and other stresses on your lawn. If you feel your lawn could be improved by a little more attention please give us a call at (630) 393-7373 for a free estimate.