How to Care for Your New Sod Lawn (Fertilization, Watering & Weed Control Tips)

As a homeowner, some home improvements are easier to figure out than others. For instance, painting the walls of a room a new color comes with tons of YouTube video tips and techniques.

But other important tasks, like taking care of your new sod lawn, may be harder to figure out.

Since your grass is a front-facing part of your home exterior, you certainly don’t want to be the only one on the block with a brown lawn riddled with weeds that makes the neighborhood look bad and makes you look like a negligent homeowner.

There are some things to keep in mind when it comes to new sod care. From watering new sod to when to mow new sod, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about new sod maintenance and weigh in on techniques that can help your yard stay beautiful for years to come.

New Sod Care in Memphis and North Mississippi

Nothing can make your home stand out more than having it framed by the best-looking lawn on the block.

And a lawn isn’t just pretty; it’s functional, too.

In fact, some of your favorite moments may be spent in your yard with family and friends, playing games, sipping cool beverages, tossing a frisbee to the dog, or just relaxing in a lawn chair. And, what’s more, you get a great big boost in home value if you take care of your grass properly.

Here are some tips on new sod care that you need to know to tend to your new asset and keep your lawn in great shape.

New Sod Watering Schedule

Water is a crucial element in the health of your grass. Consistently watering new sod is the key to ensuring the growth of strong roots.

When installed in summer, water sod throughout the day to prevent drying or shrinking. Water enough to ensure consistent moisture for the first two weeks post-installation. Then continue watering for another two weeks to prevent any drying out.

After that, maintain a watering schedule where you water long and deep for a few times each week to ensure moisture reaches the lawn roots. Remember to water your lawn in the morning or late evening. Watering your lawn in the afternoon during the warmest part of the day can lead to evaporation versus absorption.

When to Mow New Sod

Another big question that comes up involves when to mow new sod.

It should take your new sod approximately 10 to 14 days to root. That’s when you should mow your new sod for the first time. Use the highest mower setting.

When you mow, you never want to remove more than one-third of the grass blade at any one time so as not to negatively impact your lawn’s health. Mowing like this ensures your grass stays fuller, thicker, and fights drought and weeds better during the hottest, driest times of the year.

Understanding Your New Sod Fertilizer Schedule

New sod care can be amplified with fertilizer from a professional lawn care company that knows what these new lawns need.

A quality fertilizer can help create and maintain a more sustainable root system. A pro may use liquid fertilizers on new sod to ensure proper penetration.

Aeration Is Important, Too

Aerating your sod lawn within six months to one year of installation and then annually after that can also help improve your new sod care.

Going over your lawn with an aerator creates small holes in the soil that allow water, fertilizer, oxygen, and other nutrients to better reach the roots of the grass.

Regular aeration will also prevent soil from becoming compacted, which can prevent moisture and nutrient absorption.

Enlist the Help of a Lawn Care Professional

When you hire a lawn care professional for your new sod care, you don’t need to scour the home improvement stores looking at all of the products or waste time learning about proper lawn care.

In fact, hiring the right service professional can mean you receive all the new sod care tips you need, in addition to properly timed and targeted treatments to ensure your grass stays in great shape all year long.

A professional can take away all of your concerns about fertilization, weed management, or insect control, so you have an educated partner in your corner if you have questions or your lawn requires attention.

What’s more, when you bring in a lawn care expert, you can spend your time outside enjoying your lawn instead of working on it all the time.

Lawn & Pest Solutions Up Can Help Make New Sod Care Easier

You want sod that looks good and boosts your home value in Memphis and North Mississippi.  We completely understand.

We hope these new sod care tips help you get that lawn you love to give that home the look you’re after.

As you tend to your sod, you might find yourself still confused over what to do. Stop worrying and give Lawn & Pest Solutions a call. We can help you assess your sod and suggest a proper lawn care program to ensure you give your new yard the attention it needs.

Ready to learn why Lawn & Pest Solutions could be your choice for lawn care services in Memphis and North Mississippi? We’re excited to learn more about you and help you have the best lawn on the block. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can prepare a customized plan that is perfect for you and your lawn.