Lawn Care
When the sod is rooted after the installation (approximately 2 weeks) your sod is ready for the first mowing. Set the mower very high and mow off approximately 1/3 inch (10 mm) of grass. Wait 2 days then mow off another 1/3 inch (10 mm) of grass. Keep this routine until the grass is at a manageable mowing height.
Because sod is a living product, it requires care. Keep in mind that your lawn should be watered when it’s dry, must be mowed at regular intervals and should be fertilized at least twice a year.
Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height. Keep your mower blade sharp.
Caution: During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots opportunity to firmly knit with soil and ensures that the lawn remains smooth.
Fertilizing
The nutritional needs of a lawn are based on the availability of the nutrients to the plants in the root zone area. Most lawns require supplemental feeding from fertilizer.
- Nitrogen (for lush green leaf growth)
- Phosphorus (for root growth)
- Potassium (Potash – Increases resistance to disease and drought)
Good results can be expected from two applications. 18-24-12 is a recommended fertilizer blend. The first application should be made in mid-May, the second should be made in mid-August.
Spin style spreaders are fairly accurate. Good results can be achieved by dividing the total amount of fertilizer to be applied in half and applying each half over the entire lawn in opposite directions. Always spread fertilizer on a dry lawn. Wet grass (even with dew) can be burned when the fertilizer dissolves on the leaves. Water the lawn heavily immediately after fertilizing to dissolve the fertilizer. This makes it available to the plant by washing it off the grass leaves and down to the roots.
Move the spreader off the lawn when filling it. Accidentally spilled fertilizer is difficult to pick off the grass. The consequence may be a very lush patch, or a burned spot. Close the spreader whenever you stop or turn, otherwise the fertilizer continues to spill out.