Landscaping not only consists of flowers, shrubs, and trees – your lawn is key, as well. From planting grass seed and watering to fertilizing and mowing, a great deal of maintenance is required to grow and maintain a healthy and appealing lawn. Fortunately, sod reduces the headache of having to wait for grass seed to grow even though maintenance is still required. This guide will give you a few simple tips for maintaining your new sod.

Water

During the first few weeks after laying the sod, watering should be your best friend. Keeping the sod and underlying soil moist is essential for the roots to establish themselves. Of course, you may not know how much water is enough and how much water is too much.

To make sure your sod is getting enough water, lift up one corner of a sod patch. Feel under the sod and the soil. If it is dry, your sod is not being watered enough. The soil should never feel dry especially during the first couple of weeks after planting.

On the other hand, if you have puddles of water or rain forming on top of the sod, you may be watering too much. Make sure to avoid watering on days where it rains to reduce the risk of excess moisture. Also, set up a timer on your sprinkler/irrigation system to ensure the sod is watered, but not excessively.

Mow

You may be surprised if and when you should mow your new sod. Ideally, you should mow for the first time as soon as the roots establish themselves into the ground.

To determine if the roots have established themselves, try to pull up a corner of a sod patch. If the sod will not pull up or you can visibly see roots in the soil, you can mow.

Make sure your mower's blades are sharp and clean, which will make clean cuts that do not damage the grass. Adjust the mower so you do not mow too much of the grass blades, as well.

Fertilize

Even new sod needs important vitamins and nutrients. Consider applying a slow-release fertilizer, specifically designed for your grass type, in the spring following the installation of your sod.

Also, water the sod thoroughly after applying the fertilizer. This will help the soil lock in the nutrients from the fertilizer.

Maintaining sod does not have to be challenging. This guide and the help of a landscaper service,  like Nature's Design Landscaping, will ensure your sod grows and thrives.