| I just laid sod. How do I keep it green and weed free? |
| It is important to keep your new sod watered so the roots will penetrate into the soil. The rule of thumb for watering mature lawns is a minimum of 1 inch per week. New sod requires twice as much water or 2 inches per week done in three or four applications. More frequent, lighter waterings are not desirable ? they encourage shallow roots instead of deep roots. Lawns need deep roots to help them withstand period of little or no rain. During extended hot and dry period, new sod should be thoroughly soaked every day. Placing a shallow, flat-bottomed container under the sprinkler and then measuring the water depth in the container easily do checking to see if you are watering enough. After your sod has been in place for 30 days you can gradually wean it from that much water, with the goal being one inch of water per week. Your new sod should not be mowed until either the grass lays over and mats downs when wetted or the grass goes to seed. Do not be alarmed if either of these conditions do not occur in the first 30 days. Prior to mowing, set the mower deck at the highest setting and cut the new sod with this setting for the remainder of the growing season. Your new sod was fertilized at the place it was grown; therefore, it will not need fertilizer until the fall or next spring. If you fertilize sooner, you risk killing the sod. When you do fertilize, use a 10-10-10, 12-12-12 or similar mixture and follow manufacturer?s instructions on application rates. Best wishes with your new lawn. |
