HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR NEWLY INSTALLED SOD 

1.      Water – This is the single most critical aspect for your new sod.  The part of the sod that takes up water is the roots.  When sod is first installed, the roots are located in the one inch of soil on the bottom of the sod pad.  Consequently it does not take a great deal of water to reach the roots, but it will dry out very easily.  The rule of thumb for newly installed sod is to water for short periods of time more frequently.  YOU MUST LOOK AT THE SOIL UNDER THE SOD PAD TO DETERMINE IF YOU ARE APPLYING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF WATER!  Make sure the soil is very moist – but not muddy.  After the sod begins to root into the ground (2 to 4 weeks depending on the variety) you will change your watering routine.  Again, you are trying to get water to the roots.  So now you need to water for longer periods of time less frequently.  There is no magic formula.  Different soils absorb different amounts of water.  YOU CANNOT “SET IT AND FORGET IT!”  You must continue to look at the soil under the sod to ensure you are applying the correct amount of water.
 

2.      Oxygen – If you over irrigate then you will purge all the oxygen from the soil.  This will cause the sod to die from drowning.  Over watering is just as serious as under watering.  Re-read the above step to ensure you are applying the correct amount of water.

3.      Sunlight – Photosynthesis is an important part of any plants growth.  Some varieties require much less sun than others, but keep in mind that as your trees continue to grow shade may become an issue.  Monitor the shade in your yard to determine if you need to trim trees and bushes for proper sunlight and air flow.
 

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