💧 Watering: The Golden Rule

Keep it moist, but not a swamp. The goal is to keep the sod and the soil directly underneath it consistently damp until the roots knit into the ground.

Phase 1: Weeks 1 & 2 (Establishment)

• Frequency: Water 2 times per day (once in the early morning and once again in the mid-afternoon).

• Duration: 15–20 minutes per zone.

• Goal: The soil underneath the sod should be consistently wet. Avoid watering after 5:00 PM to ensure the grass blades dry before nightfall, which prevents fungal disease.

Phase 2: Weeks 3 & 4 (Transition)

• Frequency: Reduce to once per day, preferably in the early morning.

Phase 3: Week 5+ (Maintenance)

• Frequency: Deep watering 2–3 times per week (aiming for 1 inch of total water per week).

🚜 Mowing: Patience is Key

Walking on new sod too early can cause depressions and stress the young blades.

• The "Tug Test": Around day 14, gently tug on the grass. If it stays firmly in the ground, it’s ready. If it lifts up, wait a few more days.

• Blade Height: Set your mower to its highest setting. Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.

• Bag Your Clippings: For the first few months, always bag your clippings. Heavy grass clumps left on the surface can block sunlight and trap moisture, which can damage the new sod.

🌿 Fertilizing & Chemicals

Your sod needs time to establish a root system before it can handle full-strength chemical treatments.

Day 30–45 First Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10). Apply only HALF of the recommended rate on the bag to avoid burning the new roots. Carefully follow instructions on packaging, never fertilize when it is over 90 deg F.

First 4 Months AVOID WEED KILLERS: Do not apply herbicides or "weed and feed" products. These can inhibit root growth and kill your new lawn while it is still vulnerable.

Seasonal: After the first 4 months, you may transition to a full-strength seasonal fertilization program.

Pro Tip: Always water your lawn immediately after applying granular fertilizer to help the nutrients reach the roots and prevent "burning" the blades.

🚫 Critical Reminders

• Stay Off the Grass: Minimize foot traffic (including pets) for at least the first 2–3 weeks.

• Watch the Edges: The seams between sod pieces dry out fastest. Pay extra attention to these areas during your watering cycles.

• Color Check: If the grass starts turning a grayish-blue tint or the blades begin to curl, it is a sign of drought stress and needs water immediately.