Your Guide to Caring for Newly Installed Sod
Rejuvenating your lawn in Arizona with healthy sod will give you a fresh start – make sure that you don’t squander it! The first day of your sod installation is vital for the health of your new lawn, so water deeply to ensure it has all the moisture needed to thrive and begin to establish itself. Keep your sod moist throughout the day in the first two weeks post-installation, gradually cutting back the frequency to ensure the soil is firm enough before you mow on day 14. Continue to reduce the frequency of watering while watering for longer amounts of time in weeks 3 and 4 to help roots grow deeper and establish quickly. By following this guide, you’ll have a successful first month of sod and be well on your way to the robust, healthy lawn of your dreams!
Directly After Your Installation, Water Deeply To Prevent The Sod From Drying Out
Once your new sod is installed, you may find yourself entranced, but remember to water directly after! The first day of installation is vital to the health of your new grass, and you’ll need to water it deeply. If you wait until the following day to water your sod, the sun may dry it out and damage the grass before it has a chance to thrive. You should water about 6 inches down into the soil to prevent this. If it feels soggy when you walk on it, you’ve done it right! If not, keep watering until you make it there. Your sod will thank you!
In The First Two Weeks After Installation, Keep The Sod Moist Throughout The Day
Looks can be deceiving! Although your lawn will look lush and green in the first two weeks after installation, keep in mind the grass is very weak with no deep root establishment yet. That will take time, and until then, your grass is fragile and needs to be handled with care. Stay off the new sod during this time to avoid adding stressors to the roots while they develop. During this time, keep your sod moist throughout the day. You’ll want to gradually cut back on the frequency that you’re watering to ensure that the soil firms up for the first mow on day 14! Mow high and be sure to not cut more than 1/3 the height off the grass blades to not stress the lawn.
The best rule of thumb is to keep any excess weight and foot traffic off your new sod until the first mow!
In weeks 3 and 4, reduce watering frequency but increase the watering time.
For weeks 3 and 4 after installation, you can continue to reduce the frequency of watering. However, you’ll want to increase the amount of time you’re watering, essentially watering less often but more deeply. This will help encourage your sod’s roots to grow deeper and establish quicker. The faster these roots establish, the faster your new lawn will be able to start strengthening itself and truly blossom into the robust, healthy lawn you’re aiming for!
Rejuvenate Your Lawn. Call Us Today To Get A Quote For Our Sod Installation Services!
Whether your lawn suffered from a bout of disease or you just want a fresh start, sod is an excellent option for instant rejuvenation – and we can help! Little John’s Lawns has been providing high-quality lawn and landscape solutions to Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and surrounding communities in Arizona since 2012. Our sod installations can repair damaged areas or serve as a full reset depending on your needs. We utilize high-quality Bermuda sod that’s resilient and has a great tolerance for heat, and with our 100% satisfaction guarantee, we’re confident you’ll fall in love with your new lawn! Call us today at to get a quote for your sod installation service!