A couple months ago, we got you all squared away to install a fresh bed of sod on your lawn. We hope it went well because your job is far from being done. Kind of like kids, your lawn will not turn out the best if you forget to care for it. Fortunately, we’re here to share some tips and tricks of the trade so your newly installed grass can grow up strong and healthy:
Buy it a Drink – The Perfect Watering Schedule
And then make sure it keeps drinking like a frat boy until the sod has rooted. Start watering the moment you lay it down so that it doesn’t dry out, and it’s best to go overboard during the first watering. Be sure to schedule your sprinkler to water heavily (three-four times per day) for the first two weeks before transitioning to your normal watering schedule.
Give it a Haircut – But Don’t Take Too Much Off the Top!
Now this is a tricky one, because you don’t want to shock your grass by cutting too much off at the first mow, but at the same time you likely don’t want to let it grow like a jungle. We recommend waiting about 1-2 weeks before breaking out the mower – how do you know if your freshly laid grass is ready for its first mow? Tug on a corner to make sure the roots have solidified. Keep your mower on the highest setting for the first time and gradually lower it each week so you don’t shock your grass. Tip: if you notice your grass turn a yellow color after mowing, that’s a good indication of removing too much of the grass blade at any one time. While the short grass that you’d see on a golf course is gorgeous, keep in mind the lower you mow the grass, the faster it will dry out.
Keep Pets Off
While Fido would likely love to get his paws on your new grass, it’s best to keep them off for two weeks to allow the sod to attach its root system into the ground.
Hold the Fertilizer… for Now
Because we’ve hit those 90 degree days of summer, it’s not necessary to fertilizer until it cools down in the fall. Fertilizing now will just overload the root system and create a layer of thatch, which nobody wants to deal with. Apply fertilizer in small doses in the late summer and early fall if it looks like it could use a little extra help, but don’t overdo it if your grass is green and healthy as it is.
After the first couple weeks of treating your lawn better than most family member, you’re such to have a lush greenbelt that looks right out of Ireland. Looking for the greenbelt but just don’t have the time or energy to devote to it? Give us a call, that’s why we’re here.
