You should start watering immediately after the sod is laid. The roots of the new lawn have not been established and rely on external watering until they knit to the soil.
Schedule watering to assure the sod is constantly wet and the water penetrates the soil 4 to 6 inches. You should be able to stick a long screwdriver easily into the ground.
Foot printing and/or the grass blades turning a blue-gray color indicate your sod is under dehydration stress and should be watered.
You should water your new lawn for 10 to 12 days until roots knit sod to the soil. The sod layer can easily dehydrate before roots are formed and severe damage can occur to your new lawn.
Once the roots have knitted to the soil, water every 2 to 4 days. However, the frequency and amount of watering depend on the soil type, root depth, topography of the land, natural precipitation, wind, temperature, humidity, etc.
It is best to apply water less often but at a rate that penetrates the soil 4 to 6 inches. Lesser amounts applied daily will cause shallow root growth and diminish drought resistance. Check with your sprinkler installer or manufacturer for precipitation rates to assure proper water application.
Winter watering generally should be done every 3 to 4 weeks, depending on weather conditions.
Yes. The general health and vigor of the lawn is contingent on a good mowing routine.
Your first mowing should be after the sod has had time to knit with the soil.
Only a sharp, properly adjusted mower set to a minimum of 2 1/4 in height should be used.
The first few mowings should be done with a rotary mower diagonal to the way the sod is laid.
Subsequent mowing should be done whenever the grass clippings measure approximately ½” or 25% of the grass plant.
Never cut off more than 1/3 of the plant height (approximately ¾”) at any one mowing. Removal of a greater amount of the plant may result in shock, unsightly appearance or susceptibility to disease.
During rapid growing times it may be necessary to let the sod dry enough to permit mowing during the 10 to 12 day period.
After the initial fertilization, ScienTurfic Fertilizer should be applied as directed on the back of the bag during the months of April, June, August and October using a cyclone-type spreader.
Sweep all concrete areas that may have been pelleted with fertilizer before watering. Be sure to water thoroughly after each fertilizer application.