Sod Care & Maintenance – Best Practices For Your Lawn

Keeping your sod lush and healthy requires the right care and attention. At New Jersey Sod Company, we want to ensure that your new lawn thrives long after installation. Follow this guide for expert tips on watering, mowing, fertilization, and seasonal lawn care to keep your sod looking its best year-round.

Watering Guidelines: Key to Strong Root Growth

Proper watering is essential for newly installed sod to establish a deep, healthy root system.

First Two Weeks (Newly Laid Sod)

  • Water 2-3 times per day for 10-15 minutes per zone to keep sod moist.
  • Avoid overwatering to prevent puddling and excess runoff.
  • Stay off the sod during this period to allow roots to develop.

Weeks 3-4 (Root Development Stage)

  • Reduce watering to once per day for 30-40 minutes per zone.
  • Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to encourage deep root growth.

After 1 Month (Established Sod)

  • Water deeply 2-3 times per week, providing 1-1.5 inches of water weekly.
  • Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal issues.
  • Use a rain gauge to track rainfall and adjust irrigation as needed.

Mowing Tips: Maintain a Healthy Lawn

  • Wait at least 2-3 weeks before mowing newly installed sod.
  • Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass height in a single mowing session.
  • Recommended Mowing Heights:
    • Kentucky Bluegrass: 2.5-3 inches
    • Tall Fescue: 3-4 inches
    • Zoysia Grass: 1.5-2.5 inches
  • Keep mower blades sharp to prevent tearing the grass.
  • Alternate mowing patterns to reduce soil compaction and wear.

Fertilization Schedule: Keep Your Lawn Nutrient-Rich

Proper fertilization ensures long-term sod health and vibrant color throughout the seasons.

  • 4 Weeks After Installation: Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote root growth.
  • Spring (March-May): Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage rapid green growth.
  • Summer (June-August): Apply a slow-release fertilizer to maintain color and improve drought resistance.
  • Fall (September-November): Use a winterizing fertilizer to strengthen roots before winter dormancy.
  • Winter (December-February): Avoid fertilizing while the grass is dormant.

Weed & Pest Management: Protect Your Lawn

  • Weed Prevention: Do not apply herbicides within the first 6 weeks after sod installation.
  • Dethatching & Aeration: Perform aeration and dethatching annually to keep soil healthy.
  • Pest Control: Monitor for lawn pests such as grubs and chinch bugs; treat only if necessary.

Seasonal Lawn Care Tips for New Jersey

  • Spring: Start mowing and fertilizing; check for any winter damage.
  • Summer: Water deeply and mow higher to prevent heat stress.
  • Fall: Apply a fall fertilizer and continue mowing until the first frost.
  • Winter: Limit foot traffic on frozen grass to prevent damage.

Why Choose New Jersey Sod Company for Your Lawn Needs?

  • Premium Sod Varieties Grown for New Jersey’s Climate
  • Expert Lawn Care & Sod Maintenance Guidance
  • Reliable Sod Delivery & Professional Installation Services
  • Commitment to Customer Satisfaction & Long-Term Lawn Health

A well-maintained sod lawn adds beauty and value to your home or business. Contact New Jersey Sod Company today for expert lawn care advice, high-quality sod, and professional installation services!