Nothing says spring like a fresh lawn. If sod installation is in your landscaping plans this season, make sure you’re taking care of it properly to keep it healthy and lush for the rest of the year. Follow these tips to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.

How Do I Take Care of Fresh Sod?

1. Mow Lightly

Two weeks after sod installation, you can start to mow, but be careful —  cutting too close to the quick of the blade puts stress on the plants and won’t allow the grass to grow back properly. Adjust the blade setting on your mower so that you're never cutting more than one-third of the grass blade. If you’re worried about scalping your new grass, a lawn mowing service will make sure the job is done right.

2. Set Up a Watering Schedule 

Newly-laid sod has not developed roots yet, so it needs lots of water to get established. Keep the soil moist throughout the day, watering 4-5 times for 5-6 minutes each session to ensure deep water penetration. If you have an automatic lawn sprinkler system, adjust the timing to accommodate this watering schedule for approximately two weeks or until the sod begins to take root. After 3-4 weeks, watering deeply rather than frequently will encourage continued growth and cultivation. Ask a landscaping professional about a water-efficient irrigation system, so you don’t hike up your utility bills during this important growth cycle.

3. Fertilize

Lawn fertilization should be performed one month after sod installation to continue root establishment. Use a natural fertilizer like Milorganite or Ironite — chemical fertilizer can burn the sod and halt growth. Applying fertilizer properly to new sod usually requires special equipment like a rotary spreader, so it’s helpful to hire a professional to do the job.

Keep your lawn looking lovely with professional sod installation from Oasis Landscape & Irrigation in Columbia, MO. For the past 20 years, their team of landscaping experts has helped customers create picturesque properties and lawns they love. They seamlessly combine cutting-edge landscaping technology with top-notch professional service to bring you tailored lawn solutions that suit your vision, lifestyle, and budget. Read more about their available services online or call (573) 446-0858 to speak with one of their customer service representatives about sod installation today.