Sod Maintenance 101

Many homeowners choose to buy sod in the DFW area because doing so offers them a quick way to obtain a full, healthy lawn. However, even if you select a low maintenance grass for your yard, it will still require some care for it to thrive. Read on for an introduction to sod maintenance.

Fertilize

Just like many other components of your landscaping, your turf grass needs sustenance for it to look its best. First, speak with the sod provider to learn when you should begin to fertilize your lawn. Then, apply a starter fertilizer while taking care to follow the instructions provided. Also, throughout the growing season, fertilize your lawn every 6 weeks or so while taking care to choose a product that is designed for the season you plan to use it in.

Water

Even more important than fertilizer, water is a requirement for a healthy lawn. Also, if your sod is quite new, then watering it frequently is even more crucial for promoting an established root system. If laying sod in summer, you should water the rolls as you put them in place. Then, irrigate your sod thoroughly and frequently over the next week or so. Although this level of lawn care may not be what you envisioned when you installed low maintenance grass, keep in mind that the sod will not need to be watered as frequently once it is established.

Mow

Regular mowing is an important part of lawn care, no matter the age of your lawn. When it comes to sod, however, it’s important that you do not mow it too early. For this reason, you shouldn’t cut your grass for about 3 weeks following the sod’s installation. Then, examine the blade length. If your grass is at least 3½ inches tall, then you can go ahead and give it its first trim. However, only cut off about a third of your lawn’s overall height in any single mowing, and try to keep the blade height at a minimum of 2½ inches.