1. Testing the Soil
Before installing sod, conducting a soil test is essential. This test will determine the pH levels, micronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in your soil. Perform soil testing at least a month before laying sod to allow time for results and nutrient application. Fertile soil is crucial for optimal sod growth, and adding topsoil should be part of the soil testing process. Soil testing is simple and easy: you’ll collect the soil and send it off to Texas A&M Agrilife for testing. Here’s more info: Soil Testing
2. Irrigating
Keep the new sod consistently moist. It typically takes at least 10 days for sod to root. Water in the mornings and increase frequency during warm and dry periods. Check rooting progress by lifting a corner of the sod; new roots are white, while older roots are brown. Once new roots appear, the sod is nearly established. Then, reduce watering frequency but increase the amount of water per application.
Most grasses will be well-rooted within 10-14 days if temperatures are optimal, and the sod is kept moist. Dormant sod also needs to be kept moist; lack of irrigation is a common reason for its failure. Monitor soil moisture throughout the winter until new roots develop in early spring.
3. Fertilizing
Fertilizing new sod is crucial. If you are not amending off of a soil test, then apply a balanced, organic, slow-release fertilizer to the soil before laying down the sod or once the roots are established (applying to soon can generate shallow root growth).
Strongly consider also applying humates and a topdressing of organic leaf mold compost to enhance soil structure, water retention, aeration, nutrient uptake, and stimulate beneficial soil microorganisms.
4. Mowing
Once the sod has rooted well, you can begin mowing. For the first few mowings, use the highest setting on your mower to avoid scalping the new lawn. Ensure you use a sharp mower blade to avoid pulling or tearing the grass.
Avoid these mistakes
- Allowing sod edges to dry out during summer: Ensure edges are well irrigated to prevent the grass from drying out and dying.
- Poor spacing of sod seams: Avoid overlapping seams or leaving too much space between sod pieces to prevent desiccation.
- Installing old sod; Always use freshly harvested sod. Sod left uninstalled for over 24 hours typically dries out.
- Walking on new sod too soon: Prevent people from stepping on newly planted grass for three to four weeks to allow roots to anchor properly.
