SODDED LAWN

WATERING:

Your sod must be kept thoroughly soaked for the first week to 10 days.  It takes a lot of water to penetrate the sod and the soil below it.  Let the sprinklers run until 1” to 1.5” is in that area.  Use a cup under the sprinkler to find out how long it takes to get 1” to 1.5” in it.  Every sprinkler is different, but it will generally take a least an hour in each spot except on steep slopes.  The edges of the lawn and the parts along the walks and house are most likely to dry first, so make sure to water heavily and frequently in these areas.  Steeply sloped lawn area may slip if watered too heavily.

Generally, each spot will need a thorough soaking every other day unless it is very hot then every day.

Your grass will always let you know if it is not getting enough water.  If the sod begins to shrink and the seams open, it is drying out.  If the grass looks gray and doesn’t spring back up when you walk on it, it is wilted and needs water.

PROTECTION:

After you soak the lawn the first time it will be very soft.  Do not walk on it.  You will poke big holes in the lawn.  Set your sprinkler so you can pull them to the next spot without walking on the grass.  Do not use the lawn or allow the children on it for at least 2 weeks or until it is firm enough to prevent footsteps.

CUTTING AND CONTINUED WATERING:

When the grass gets about 3” tall, usually 1 to 2 weeks after it has been installed, stop watering.  Wait for the grass to get firm enough to walk on.  Then with a sharp lightweight rotary mower set to cut the lawn at 2.5”-3” in height, cut the lawn and continue to water the lawn.  From this time on the grass should be cut as needed, but never mow shorter than 2.5” in height, and never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade.  Now, you can reduce your watering to twice a week for the first month and then to once every 7 to 14 days.  Continue watering and cutting just as long as the grass grows in the fall.

SETTLING OR DAMAGE:

If an area of lawn settles or becomes damaged by walking on it while too wet, lay back the sod, put some topsoil under it, relay it and treat it as newly-laid sod.

SEEDED LAWN

The seeded lawn must get exactly the same care as sod, except as follows:

Water more frequently but lighter.  Keep the surface of the soil wet at all times until the grass is 2” tall.

Be especially careful on sloped areas.  Water lightly and frequently to prevent erosion.

Some grass seed requires 21 days to germinate so it takes longer to develop a lawn and it must be properly watered and protected for a longer period time.

It is not possible to prevent weeds so you’ll probably need a light application of Weed and Feed to fertilize the grass and kill weeds about 2 months after planting.

Each grass plant spreads so don’t be alarmed if your lawn looks thin at first.  Five grass plants per square foot are adequate.

We cannot guarantee against washout due to heavy rain or sprinkling.  If it occurs, fill the gully with topsoil, reseed and treat as a new seeding or call us and we will repair the damage at a cost.

CUTTING AND CONTINUED WATERING:

The continued success of your lawn depends on regular cuttings, never shorter than 2.5”.  It needs regular fertilizing at least 3-5 times a year, periodic weed killing along with regular, heavy watering.  Generally, one thorough soaking every 1-2 weeks is adequate except in very hot dry weather.

Be careful not to water so heavily and frequently as to keep your trees, shrubs and flowers waterlogged, this is especially true if you have a sprinkling system.  We’ve seen many plants drown, killing them by too much water.

FOLLOW-UP:

Most importantly, if you have concerns regarding the well-being of your new plantings, please feel free to call and we will be glad to answer your questions.  Your support staff is available during normal business hours at (262) 255-7882.

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