You can also check how damp the soil is and how deeply it’s watered by pulling up a corner of the sod. Use your finger to see how far down the soil is moist. If it rains a lot during the first week, you may not need to use a sprinkler system on the sod. Use the flat-bottomed dishes to keep track of rainfall.
For example, if you live in a dry location, more frequent waterings will keep the soil consistently moist. If you live in a more temperate area, less-frequent waterings will work. If you’re not home during the day, invest in an irrigation system that works on a timer. Check the soil by pulling up the sod. If the soil is moist, that is great! If it’s dry, increase how often or for how long you’re watering the sod.
Pull on the sod to see if it has taken root. If it still lifts easily, it hasn’t yet. If there is resistance when you pull, it has started to take root.
Continue keeping track of the water output by using a flat-bottomed container.
How much fertilizer you need depends on how big your lawn is. Measure your yard’s length and multiply it by the width to get the square footage. Read the directions on the fertilizer to determine how many pounds of fertilizer you need for that amount of space. Many brands recommend not watering the sod for 1-2 days before applying the fertilizer. Make sure to check what is recommended for the best results.
How much fertilizer you need depends on how big your lawn is. Measure your yard’s length and multiply it by the width to get the square footage. Read the directions on the fertilizer to determine how many pounds of fertilizer you need for that amount of space. Many brands recommend not watering the sod for 1-2 days before applying the fertilizer. Make sure to check what is recommended for the best results.
Avoid mowing the sod if the soil is very moist. You could even stop watering the sod for 1-2 days before you plan to mow it.
Avoid mowing the sod if the soil is very moist. You could even stop watering the sod for 1-2 days before you plan to mow it.
Use a ruler to measure how tall the grass is. Wintertime generally requires much less frequent mowings, whereas spring and summertime usually mean quick growth and more frequent mowings.
Always read the mower’s instruction manual for safety precautions and procedures on how to sharpen your mower’s blades.
In general, it’s recommended to never park your car on sod and to keep excess weight off of it long-term.
Sod webworms are common pests but are easily avoided if you keep the sod well-watered.
An aerator keeps the soil under the sod from becoming too compacted, which can inhibit its growth over time.
An aerator keeps the soil under the sod from becoming too compacted, which can inhibit its growth over time.
If your lawnmower doesn’t have a bag to collect grass clippings, rake them up afterward and dispose of them with your lawn debris. Verticutting increases the density of the sod over time and makes it look more lush and plentiful. A verticutter is also often called a dethatcher.
