Keeping your sod healthy and green requires proper care. At Long Island Sod Company, we want to help you maintain a beautiful lawn long after installation. Follow this guide for expert tips on watering, mowing, fertilizing, and protecting your sod year-round.

Watering Schedule: Essential for Root Growth

Proper watering is crucial for sod establishment and long-term health.

First Two Weeks (Newly Installed Sod)

  • Water 2-3 times per day for 10-15 minutes per zone to keep sod moist.
  • Avoid puddling or runoff by using shorter watering sessions.
  • Do not walk on the sod while it’s establishing roots.

Weeks 3-4 (Root Development Phase)

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

After 1 Month (Established Sod)

  • Water deeply 2-3 times per week, providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
  • Morning watering is best to prevent evaporation and fungal growth.
  • Use a rain gauge to monitor natural rainfall and adjust irrigation as needed.

Mowing Tips: Keep Your Lawn Looking Great

  • Wait at least 2-3 weeks before the first mow after sod installation.
  • Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height in a single mow.
  • Recommended Heights:
    • Kentucky Bluegrass: 2.5-3 inches
    • Tall Fescue: 3-4 inches
    • Zoysia Grass: 1.5-2.5 inches
  • Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
  • Alternate mowing patterns to prevent soil compaction and ruts.

Fertilization Schedule: Give Your Sod the Nutrients It Needs

Proper fertilization ensures a lush, green lawn year-round.

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

Keeping your sod healthy and green requires proper care. At Long Island Sod Company, we want to help you maintain a beautiful lawn long after installation. Follow this guide for expert tips on watering, mowing, fertilizing, and protecting your sod year-round.

Watering Schedule: Essential for Root Growth

Proper watering is crucial for sod establishment and long-term health.

First Two Weeks (Newly Installed Sod)

  • Water 2-3 times per day for 10-15 minutes per zone to keep sod moist.
  • Avoid puddling or runoff by using shorter watering sessions.
  • Do not walk on the sod while it’s establishing roots.

Weeks 3-4 (Root Development Phase)

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

After 1 Month (Established Sod)

  • Water deeply 2-3 times per week, providing 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
  • Morning watering is best to prevent evaporation and fungal growth.
  • Use a rain gauge to monitor natural rainfall and adjust irrigation as needed.

Mowing Tips: Keep Your Lawn Looking Great

  • Wait at least 2-3 weeks before the first mow after sod installation.
  • Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height in a single mow.
  • Recommended Heights:
    • Kentucky Bluegrass: 2.5-3 inches
    • Tall Fescue: 3-4 inches
    • Zoysia Grass: 1.5-2.5 inches
  • Keep mower blades sharp to avoid tearing the grass.
  • Alternate mowing patterns to prevent soil compaction and ruts.

Fertilization Schedule: Give Your Sod the Nutrients It Needs

Proper fertilization ensures a lush, green lawn year-round.

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

Weed & Pest Control: Protect Your Lawn

  • Weed Prevention: Avoid using herbicides for at least 6 weeks after sod installation.
  • Dethatching & Aeration: Perform aeration and dethatching annually to improve soil health.
  • Pest Control: Watch for grubs, chinch bugs, and other lawn pests. Use treatments only if necessary.

Seasonal Lawn Care Tips

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

Why Trust Long Island Sod Company for Your Lawn Needs?

  • High-Quality Sod Varieties Suited for Long Island
  • Expert Advice for Sod Maintenance & Lawn Care
  • Reliable Sod Delivery & Installation Services
  • Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

A well-maintained sod lawn enhances the beauty and value of your property. Contact Long Island Sod Company today for expert sod care advice and professional services!