Mistakes to Avoid When It Comes to Sod Maintenance
Planting grass that is low-maintenance does not equate to having a zero-maintenance yard. If you want to keep your lawn looking great long after installing sod, then there are a number of things that you shouldn’t do when it comes to caring for your turf grass in the DFW area. Continue reading to learn about some sod maintenance mistakes to avoid.
Mowing Too Infrequently
Keeping your grass blades at a consistently healthy height is an important part of lawn care. You should never cut more than a third of the lawn’s length in a single mowing, and mowing too infrequently can make it tempting to trim off more than this amount. Also, you should strive to keep your grass 2 to 3” long because cutting your grass too short can cause the soil to dry out too quickly and promote weed growth. Finally, remember to keep your mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the plant tissues because this problem can promote disease.
Watering Too Little
Today, water conservation is on the minds of many homeowners. However, you should not skimp on irrigation if you want to maintain your sod and promote a healthy lawn. Learn about the water needs for the type of turf grass that you have and program your sprinklers accordingly. Keep in mind that how much water your turf grass needs will increase as temperatures rise. To avoid overwatering or using more water on your lawn than is necessary, monitor the rainfall that your yard gets and adjust your sprinkler settings in response.
Fertilizing the Wrong Way
The type of fertilizer that your lawn needs can depend on the grass that you have and the condition of your soil. For this reason, testing your sod’s soil for deficiencies is an important part of keeping it healthy. Also, learn from the sod supplier how soon after installation your lawn should be fertilized. Lastly, bear in mind that spring and fall are typically the best times of year to feed your lawn.