Sod can help you cultivate an ideal lawn from scratch. With proper installation and the right care, you can have a beautiful yard in no time. Landscape contractors can install the sod and help you tend to it, as it has different maintenance needs than established grass. Here are a few ways they will nurture a freshly sodded lawn. 

What Does Sod Need to Thrive?

1. Watering

Sod can dry out quickly since the roots are grown through a biodegradable netting. Within the first ten days of installation, freshly sodded lawns need to be watered twice per day. 

Landscape contractors can keep a close eye on it to ensure it’s getting thorough water coverage and that the edge pieces aren’t drying out. The first two weeks are critical for keeping the sodded grass well-watered and allowing the material to meld successfully with the soil beneath it. 

2. Fertilizing

Since sod farms fertilize patches before harvesting them, a new installation usually doesn’t need to be fed for a month or two. The landscape contractors will make sure the root structure has grown into the soil before adding any fertilizer.

They may begin to fertilize after a month if the grass doesn’t seem to be getting enough nutrients. The lawn will need to be watered thoroughly after application.

3. Mowing

A newly sodded lawn shouldn’t be mowed for two to three weeks. The grass also needs to be at least 3 inches tall before mowing.

Cutting the grass too short can hinder new growth and make a lawn look patchy. An experienced contractor will never cut more than one-third of the grass’s height to ensure it can safely photosynthesize and process nutrients from the soil and thrive. 

If you’re ready to build your dream lawn, talk to the experts at Done Right Landscapes. Founded in 2006 in St. Peters, MO, this landscaping contractor offers a wide range of services to improve and maintain your lawn. After sodding, they can help nurture and maintain the material to ensure the aesthetic you desire. Call them today at (636) 373-3902, or visit their website for more information.