Are you a new homeowner who recently had SOD installed? If so, you’re likely excited to see your lawn turn green! However, before you can start enjoying your new SOD, there are a few things you need to do to take care of it. This post will share tips on taking care of your new SOD and helping it thrive.

Why Should You Do It?

Your lawn is a reflection of your style. But more importantly, your lawn is a living thing – it needs care and attention to stay healthy.

It’s a complex ecosystem that provides food and shelter for wildlife, help to regulate water and soil erosion, and can even improve your mental health.

Despite its importance, many people take their lawns for granted. They need to water or fertilize, allow weeds to take over, and don’t think twice about running the mower over delicate flower beds.

As a result, they end up with a barren plot of land that does nothing but add to their stress levels. So if you want to create a haven for yourself, it’s time to start taking care of your lawn.

Water The Soil Before The SOD Installation

When it comes to laying SOD, timing is everything. If you lay the SOD during the heat of the day, the soil will quickly absorb all the water, and your efforts will be wasted.

It’s best to wait until the evening or morning hours when the earth is cooler and moisture is more likely to stay in place.

Additionally, make sure to hydrate the soil before laying the SOD. This will help the new roots take a stronghold.

Thoroughly Water The Lawn After The SOD Installation

Lay down the grass and immediately give it a good soaking for about twenty minutes twice a day. This will give your lawn six inches of water per cycle.

Check for dry spots and use a handheld sprayer to reach areas your sprinklers might not cover.

For the first 14 weeks, your lawn needs the most water. Avoid walking on your new lawn for the first two weeks or until you’ve cut it for the first time.

Use Of A Lawn Roller

You’ve just installed new SOD in your yard, which looks fantastic. To keep it looking that way, you must take care of it properly. The use of lawn rollers helps to compact the soil, which helps the roots to take hold.

They can also assist in removing any bumps or depressions in the surface of the SOD. Rolling your lawn also helps to remove any air pockets that may have formed beneath the SOD during installation.

By compacting the soil and removing air pockets, lawn rollers provide essential support for new SOD while helping ensure a smooth surface.

Help Roots Grow

After you’ve unrolled your new SOD and given it a good watering, it’s time to think about fertilizer. Fertilizer helps roots grow strong and gives the SOD the nutrients it needs to return to normal after being unrolled.

A month after you put in the plants, look for granular starter fertilizer with the number 18-24-12 written on it. If you want a natural solution, ask the staff at a garden center what you can do for your type of lawn.

No matter what you decide, remember how important this step is for your lawn. Your new lawn will only be able to grow strong roots if it gets enough nutrients.

How And When To Mow

You should wait at least 2-3 weeks after installing SOD before mowing for the first time to establish themselves in the soil.

And, when you are mowing the grass, ensure it is dry to prevent the blades from breaking. You should also set the blade to a higher setting, as you don’t want to cut the grass too short.

After the first mowing, you can lower the blade and mow as needed. It’s also essential to sharpen the blades on your mower to stop damage to the grass.

You can sharpen the blades yourself or take them to a professional. If you sharpen them yourself, use a sharpening stone made for lawnmower blades.

Most experts say that you should mow your lawn every week during the growth period. And for cutting height, you should take extra care. Start by cutting only a third of the grass blade, then gradually increase the cutting height over time.

Pest Control

Establishing a new lawn takes work, but once it’s done, you want to ensure it stays healthy and weed-free. The best time to apply your first weed control product is after your lawn has been mowed four times and appears lush and healthy.

Look for a product specifically designed for your lawn type and growing zone – your garden center can help you find the right one. Once you’ve applied the weed control, give your lawn a few weeks to recover (four to five more mowings) before applying any pest controls you may require.

To Sum It Up

All left is to take care of your SOD and enjoy your new, green lawn! With the right care, your SOD will stay healthy for years to come. For all your lawn care, gardening, and landscaping needs, call Deo Landscaping in Vancouver, Richmond, and Surrey, BC. We specialize in SOD installation and maintenance and would be happy to help you achieve the lawn of your dreams!

FAQs

Do I need to fertilize the new SOD?

You should fertilize the new SOD with a starter fertilizer, which is unnecessary.

For how long must one wait for new SOD to grow?

New SOD generally takes about two to four weeks to root.

How long should new SOD be watered?

New SOD should be watered for about 15-20 minutes twice a day for the first two weeks, then slowly taper off to once a day.

How much water should I give the new SOD?

Watering newly-installed SOD is crucial for the grass to take root and grow. Give the SOD about 1 inch of water per week for the first two weeks, then increase the amount to 1.5 inches per week.

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