Sod Care instructions

Initial Watering

Things to remember

Continue watering

Watering after installation is the most important step of the entire process.
In the first 2 days, sod should be saturated like a wet sponge at all times.

Continue watering

Things to remember

Continue watering

Sod must remain in damp condition for 10-14 days after installation.

Things to remember

Things to remember

Things to remember

Sod along driveways and sidewalks are most likely to burn out.
Ensure all hard to reach areas of sod are getting water.
Limit foot traffic on sod until roots have been established.

Mowing

Fertilizing Cont.

Things to remember

First mowing should take place 2-3 weeks after installation.
Mow at an angle across seams and at the highest mower setting.
Water after first mowing.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing Cont.

Fertilizing Cont.

Sod will come well-fertilized from the sod farm.
The type of fertilizer will vary based on the time of year your sod is installed.
The easiest fertilizing process is the Scotts 4-Step Program available at any outdoor/home improvement store.

Fertilizing Cont.

Fertilizing Cont.

Fertilizing Cont.

Step 1- Install crabgrass preventer and lawn food between April 15th and May 1st.
Step 2- Install dandelion preventer and lawn food within a week on either side of Memorial Day.
Step 3- Install lawn food with iron 2 weeks on either side of Labor day.
Step 4- The most important step is to provide lawn food mid-October to prepare the grass for the next spring.

Plant care instructions

Watering

Watering Cont.

Watering Cont.

Watering is very important with new plants. New plants need roughly 1" of water per week.
The best way to water is a slow trickle that soaks deep into the plant roots. Ideally soak for 30 minutes or more.

Watering Cont.

Watering Cont.

Watering Cont.

Be mindful to not over water. Signs of over watering vary by plants. To test moisture stick your finger into the soil 3", if the soil is moist, no more water is needed.

Mulch

Watering Cont.

Fertilizer

Mulch is very important to help retain moisture for new plants.
Mulch is also great for providing organic nutrients and preventing weeds.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer

Fertilizer

Fertilizers such as Miracle Gro and Osmocote can be very beneficial for new plants.
Always install fertilizer around base and water in.
Refer to manufacturer specs for amount of fertilizer.
Tree spikes are a great option for newly installed trees and evergreens.

Pruning

Fertilizer

Pruning

Pruning is a good practice to control the size and appearance of plants.
It is best to prune plants when dormant in early spring.
Avoid leaving stubs when pruning. Always prune down to another branch.

Staking

Fertilizer

Pruning

Primarily for trees and large shrubs, staking can be necessary to ensure tress stay upright before they take root.
Stakes should be removed after one year.