SPRING and SUMMER Guidelines

Keep it green:
    Upon installing, water immediately.  For two weeks after, water 15 minutes twice every midday, and 20 min. every evening.  Grass is established when it can't be pulled up from the ground.  Then, continue to water 20 min. a day.

Setting happens:
     When new structures are built on idle land many ground disturbances must occur, such as the burying of sewer, electric, and sprinkler lines.  Ample sod watering provokes the land to settle around the disturbances.  Lawn settling is not the fault of the developer, builder or the sod installer; it is a common consequence of modern construction.

Top Dressing:
     The only way to regain a level yard after settling:  1) Wait three weeks after grass establishment  2) Buy some sand  3) Using a shovel, cast the sand into the depressed areas of the yard, and  4) Use the back side of a rake to level the piles. The grass will grow through the sand within six to eight weeks, depending on the amount of sand.

Fertilizing:
     Our sod is fertilized in the field every month of the growing season.  Upon establishment, fertilizer maintains grass health and promotes root depth.  Use a high nitrogen mix or "10-20-10" equivalent every month of the growing season.  Water is critical during the post-fertilization time; usually 30 minutes a day for a week should produce a lush, green lawn.
 
 

  FALL and WINTER Guidelines

Dormant, Not Invincible:
     Sod is a perishable product even when installed in dormancy.  It must be cared for properly to survive the winter.  For the first three months, all new dormant sod requires a deep watering at least two times per week.  After this time period, water deeply one time every week until the grass turns green.

Freeze Warning:
     If a deep freeze is forecasted, sod must be watered prior to and wet at the time of the freeze.  Some areas of the yard may die if proper moisture is lacking.

Weed Overkill:
    Do not spray dormant sod for weeds or pre-emerge.  The tender root hairs trying to attach will not withstand herbicide, resulting in dead patches.

Fertilize:
    About mid-April, begin regularly applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer or "10-20-10" equivalent every month to achieve a healthy, deep green yard.  The last application should be mid-September, ensuring the root durability needed to make it through the winter.