A Healthy & Beautiful Lawn
Preparation for lawn or sod installation is one of the most important tasks to be done when installing a lawn. In order to have a healthy lawn for the long term a good layer of healthy top soil must be in place. A good layer of topsoil will be full of biological life and organic matter. This will attract a healthy earth worm population. All of which are great for producing a thick healthy root system and ultimately a lush green lawn.
Timing and water are also very important. If seeding a new lawn or over seeding an existing lawn, the end of August through the end of September is the best time of year to install the new lawn. If installing sod, timing is less critical as long as water can be applied in adequate amounts. Whether installing sod or applying seed, it is extremely important to apply water in adequate amounts until the lawn is established.
Even if a healthy lawn has been established for a few years, periodic over seeding will keep the lawn looking fresh and new with lush green color year after year.
Careful treatment and daily care are critical to your new lawn
It is very important to maintain your newly laid sod correctly for a successful and healthy root establishment. During the first 3-4 weeks (particularly during hot season) the sod should be thoroughly watered daily. If you don’t keep it well watered you will end up with yellowing, wilting, and dead spots. Daily watering is imperative to the health of the sod.
- Day 1 – soak the sod thoroughly. Lift the corners to be sure that the sod is soaked all the way through to the soil beneath.
- Days 2-30 – continue to water making sure that the sod is soaked through to the bottom but not squishy or puddling which would indicate overwatering. The best time to water is in the early morning which gives the grass blades and soil time to dry out during the day.
- In approximately 10 days you should begin to mow the lawn. The grass blades are typically 3-4 inches long and roots usually begin to establish themselves between day 10-21 (try lifting the corner and if the sod is tightly adhered to the soil, your roots are established). If the sod is not well adhered, keep your lawn mower blade speed low so that the mower does not pull up the sod into the blades.
- Once the roots are well established (approx. 3-4 weeks) you can go to lighter watering but watch the sod, if you start getting dry, yellowing patches, etc., you are not watering enough, the sod is stressed and must be more thoroughly watered.
- You can test your new lawn with every other day watering and see how it reacts. If you don’t see signs of stress, you can continue with less watering or your normal sprinkler system settings. Once Fall temperatures reduce into 60-70 degrees and the days are shorter, less watering will be required.
White Oak Tree & Landscape Home Advisor Awards
Screened & Approved by Home Advisor
What Our Clients Say
Don’t take our word for it! Read what our past customers think of our service!
Need Lawn & Sod Installation Services?
We’d love to help you! We’ll provide you with a free, no-pressure quote. Rest easy knowing a licensed arborist is on every job.