Slowing down and watching the grass grow sounds good, in theory. But the reality is that if your lawn needs renewing, you’ll be looking at a big patch of dirt for weeks. Sod is fast and easy.
When it comes to getting a thick, healthy lawn, nothing beats sod for instant gratification. Sure, it may cost more, but lay it right and in a couple of weeks you’ve got a dense, well-established lawn that’s naturally resistant to weeds, diseases, and pest infestations.
You’re also buying convenience. Sod can be installed spring through fall (and even in winter in mild climates).
Watering is important to New Sod
Keep the sod constantly moist until the first cutting.
How Often:
In hot, dry weather, this will mean sprinkling each area daily. In cool, moist weather, sprinkling may be necessary only every second or third day.
How Much:
It is important to give a newly sodded lawn immediate and constant attention, it has to be thoroughly wet down to the soil beneath. Light sprinkling does more harm than good. Soak the sod so thoroughly that when any corner is lifted, it will be dripping wet. Make this test several places in the lawn and especially on the edges near borders and sidewalks. These are the pieces that dry out first.
If sod is allowed to dry out, the strips will shrink and leave gaps which will not return to their original size. The sod must make contact with the soil beneath. Water heavily for ten days, then reduce the amount of watering.
Make frequent inspections to determine the moisture content of the soil. Gently lift an edge of the sod strip. If it is making good contact with the soil, you will see many strong white roots and lifting the strip will be difficult.
Although lawn establishment is faster with sod than with seeding, it is not “instant”. Care must be taken to keep traffic off the new lawn until sod starts to root as it can cause sinking in and uneven contact. Light walking across the lawn can begin after one week but wait a month before heavier usage.
If possible, avoid watering late in the evening or setting automatic irrigation systems on night watering. Turf that is wet during cool or humid evenings is more prone to foliar diseases. Water during early morning so the sun will dry the blade surface and not allow fungal spores to germinate and develop.
Contact Gabe’s Sprinkler Systems today for a free estimate for your next sodding project.
