Sod, like other living beings, needs water. A question we hear all the time is "How do we know if we have watered enough?" A simple test can determine this. If you can peel back a corner of the new sod, look for the ground underneath to be lightly saturated. When you see this, you have watered enough.

 A drought or insufficient water can cause your newly placed sod to brown or die. Watering sod is best in short increments to prevent overwatering, which can cause root rot. It is best to start early in the morning, but no later than 3 o'clock in the afternoon, to prevent fungal growth from excess moisture. 

Summer time is a critical time to manage water levels. It is important not to over-saturate the sod nor underwater it. Brown patches do not always indicate the need for water, but may also be a sign of overwatering.  

When do new roots start to form? New, small roots begin forming about a week after installation. It may take a little longer depending on the soil and climate. 

When can I start walking on my new lawn? You can start walking on your new lawn right after installation. This actually helps close any air pockets formed during installation and creates contact pressure for better root adhesion in the soil. We recommend waiting at least 4 weeks for heavy foot traffic to prevent damage to growing roots. 

When should I start mowing? You should wait at least 2 to 3 weeks to allow for proper root growth. A sure way to test whether your new lawn is ready to be mowed is to gently tug on the grass blades. When it no longer lifts up, it is safe to mow. We recommend reducing watering leading up to your first mow to prevent sogginess and the risk of tearing up soft spots. Remember to keep the grass high, set on your mower, and never less than 3.5in. Increased exposure to the root makes grass vulnerable to weed growth. 

Do I need to fertilize my new sod? New sod does not require fertilizer, as most sod is fertilized before harvesting. We recommend fertilizing your lawn at least twice in the spring and twice in the fall to maintain healthy growth. In the spring, choose a fertilizer with a pre-emergent herbicide for weed control, as it inhibits newly germinated seeds from developing. Months to remember for your fertilization schedule are :

March - May & September - October