Menu
Here are some general care guidelines to follow to maintain your new or established grass.
Immediately After Installation:
Watering:
Most importantly keep the sod saturated for at least two weeks. This may take (4) or more waterings per day or as little as one per day, depending on the weather. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods. BE sure to check and water near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf. Increase water in the area, but do not allow water to form puddles. Gradually start to reduce watering 2 weeks after installation.
Fertilization:
We do recommend applying a starter fertilizer upon sod installation to speed up establishment. If your sod was installed before mid-August, a slow release fertilizer with pre-emergent should also be applied 4 weeks after installation on top of the new sod to prevent crabgrass from germinating in the ground underneath the sod. Avoid using anything containing the product Balan on new sod.
Mowing:
Ready to mow? Your new lawn can be mowed once the grass has knitted to the ground. This usually takes about 2 – 3 weeks. Be sure your mower is set high at a high setting, so you do not scalp the grass. Never cut off more than 1/3 of the height of the grass at once.
NOTE: We recommended trying to avoid regular foot traffic on your new lawn for approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Once your new lawn has become established, please follow the information to the right.
Mowing:
Not sure how high to mow? The settings below are appropriate in the spring and fall. In the summer months, June, July and August, raise the mowing height one inch to cool the turf plant and reduce stress.
| GRASS SPECIES | MOWER SETTING IN SPRING/FALL | MOW WHEN GRASS IS: |
| IRT Tall Fescue | 2 to 2 ½ inches | 3 to 4 inches |
Fertilization:
A combination product, in the early spring, that contains pre-emergent weed control should be applied to prevent weeds from showing on your lawn. Followed by (3) more applications are recommended throughout the year. Be sure to follow label directions.
Please follow the Sorensen Sod Fertilizer Program below for approximate dates for applying fertilizer.
Watering:
Good Morning! The best time to water is early morning, so less water is lost by evaporation. The worst time to water is in the evening because the lawn stays wet all night, which encourages disease development. Remember watering too frequently can tend to develop shallow root systems which may make them more susceptible to grubs and heat/drought stress.
NOTE: Additional watering may be needed during hot, dry summers.
| GRASS SPECIES | AMOUNT & FREQUENCY |
| IRT Tall Fescue | 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches Every Other Week |
Follow for Fescues & Bluegrasses
Slow release fertilizer plus crabgrass preventer. 16-0-2 25% PCSCU .37 Prodiamine. A vapor barrier which lasts 16 weeks is created to control weeds before they germinate. Covers approximately 10,000 sq ft.
50% slow release fertilizer. 18-0-3 50%XRT 4%IRON. Provides nutritional support throughout the summer months. Covers approximately 10,000 sq ft.
50% slow release fertilizer. – 20-5-10 50%XRT 5%IRON. Promotes recovery from summer stress. Covers approximately 10,000 sq ft.
Quick release fertilizer. 20-10-5. Promotes storage of carbohydrates for use next year. Important for health the following summer. Covers approximately 10,000 sq ft.
15-0-0 20%XCU .2% Merit. 20% slow release fertilizer plus summer long grub control.
Follow for Fescues & Bluegrasses
Sod is highly perishable. It should be installed and watered typically within 12 hours of harvest. This is why sod should be bought directly from a sod farm that ensures the freshest sod for your lawn.
After installation, it must be kept wet at all times for at least 2 weeks. This may require watering several times a day, depending on the weather. After roots have been established, it is better to water in the morning. Infrequent deep watering is more beneficial than frequent light watering. Over watering can be just as harmful on your lawn as under watering.
Both! Starter fertilizer can be applied either under or on top of new installed sod. It is often easier to apply before the sod goes down to avoid foot traffic on your new lawn.
Sorensen Sod guarantees our sod to be healthy and free of weeds, disease and harmful pests at the time of delivery or installation. If given proper care, it will grow and thrive. If you have any questions or concerns about our sod, contact us immediately.
Delivery Forklift Opening:
The forklift that unloads the sod from the delivery truck is 8 feet wide and needs an opening at least 8 1/2 feet wide to allow it to get through. If you do not have a gate opening that wide, the driver will unload the sod as close as possible to the area that needs the sod. The driver will not drive over sidewalks or existing grass unless they are given permission by the homeowner. If you would like the sod spotted in a certain spot at your jobsite, please specify it when you order the sod or let the driver know when he pulls up in the semi.
Installation Fence Opening:
In order for the installers to install sod with their laying machine, they need a gate opening of at least 52 inches. If your gate or opening in the fence is not 52 inches wide or wider.
It is best to seed in the spring approximately between April 15th and May 15th or in the fall approximately between August 15th and September 30th. The weather is different each year which could effect these dates.
Your new sod will root down in approximately 2 weeks, but it is best to wait at least 4 weeks before using your new lawn.
Sorensen Sod LLC provides residential and commercial sod installation, yard grading, yard renovations, and turf farm services to the Eastern Nebraska and Central Nebraska areas.