AAA Grass Sales - Tips
TIPS ON SOD INSTALLATION
- WATERING: New sod needs plenty of water in order to help the roots get established in your soil. More water is needed in hot weather, but even dormant sod must be kept moist until it is established DO NOT LET SOD REMAIN ON PALLETS AFTER DELIVERY OVER 24 HOURS.
- Hot Weather: Water new sod thoroughly within 2 hours after it is installed. After installation, water entire lawn up to 6 to 8 inch depth. Water twice a day for the next 10 days, putting 1/4 to 1/2 inch per watering (1/2 hour per sprinkler setting). If temperatures are above 90 degrees, consider watering twice a day for a longer period of time. Keep sod moist until roots are established.
- Cool Weather: Water sod thoroughly within 2 hours of installation, wetting soil 6 to 8 inch depth (1 hour per sprinkler setting). Water your new sod daily, running sprinklers ¼ hour per setting to put on ¼ to ½ inches of water. If conditions are extremely dry, continue daily watering longer until roots are established.
- 10 days after installation: Once new sod has established a new root system and begun to grow, cut watering back to two or three times a week, putting on 1/2 to 1 inch of water each time. How frequent you water may vary depending on weather conditions. The important thing is to keep new sod moist until roots are established.
- CAUTION Do not water sod so much that it leaves standing water on the surface Limit traffic and use: Keep all traffic and pets off the new sod lawn for 10 days.
- New sod must have 3-4 hours exposure to direct sunlight between the hours of 10:30 am and 3 30 pm before it will restart growth in a new environment. If not, sod will go into decline in 3-4 weeks turning brown and ultimately dying.
- Mowing: Wait at least 12 days after sod is installed before mowing. This will depend on season, weather and growth rate. Follow these guidelines for actively growing grass.
- Common St Augustine Raleigh St Augustine Common Bermuda Hybrid Bermuda A rule of thumb is to mow often enough so you are not cutting off more-than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time Keep mower blades sharp so the grass is cut evenly and cleanly
- Control Weeds and insects: Use weed and feed when sod is dormant only. Use between the months of January and February
- Fertilize: Do not use any fertilizer until 4-6 weeks after installation. Most grass types need at least three applications per year Again. It is best to follow the recommendation of your local extension specialist or your local garden center. You may want to have your soil tested for nutrients needs. Suggested Chemical Ratios: 13- 13-13 and 12-24- 12.
- Continue Irrigation: March -June -October December Follow the above irrigation program each year, based on season and weather conditions. Water long enough each time to soak the soil to a depth of 6 inches (1/2 hour per sprinkler setting Heavy clay soils may need water in 15 to 20 minute periods to avoid excessive run off) REMINDER REMOVE SOD FROM PALLETS WITHIN 24 HOURS MAXIMUM AFTER DELIVERY OF SOD.
- Remember the key to a Successful lawn is getting it started with plenty of water.