There’s plenty to remember when it comes to new sod maintenance. We have attached some information for your review:
Stay Off New Sod
New sod needs time to establish a strong root system in your lawn. The first month is a critical time for establishing a healthy sod lawn. During the first weeks, avoid walking on the sod when possible. This includes people and pets, both of which can interfere with the root development. When you do need to walk on the sod for mowing or maintenance, limit the time and tread gently. Wait to place any lawn decorations or landscaping features on the sod.
Water the Sod:
Sod gives you an advantage because it doesn't need as much irrigation as grass seeds, but you still need to keep the sod moist to encourage growth. For the first six weeks, water the sod at least once a day to keep the area moist. If the weather is particularly hot, windy or dry, water your sod twice a day to help it grow well. Check the soil daily to ensure it isn't dry. Once the sod develops a strong root system, you can cut back on the watering schedule to only about once per week. If you receive rain, even less watering is needed.
Overwatering:
Yellow patches may indicate that your new sod is getting too much water. New sod requires more water than an established lawn to help establish its roots, but the watering schedule should gradually decrease. Typically, new sod requires five to 10 minutes of watering, two to three times daily for the first seven to 10 days after installation. Water enough to soak the first few inches of soil. In the second week, watering can be reduced to once daily, soaking about 1/4 inch of soil. After three weeks, reduce watering to every other day for another seven to 10 days, but water to about 1/2 inch soil depth. Once the sod has been in place for about four weeks, the roots should be established and watering can be cut back to once or twice per week.
Pet Urine:
Dog urine burns new sod and established lawns due to its high nitrogen content. This results in yellow or brown patches of sod. Increase watering to these areas to dilute the urine. In time, the new grass should grow normally, and your sod will regain its lush green color. If the problem is a neighbour’s pet entering your lawn, consider installing a fence or a shrub border to prevent easy access.
For any further information, please check out the link below as this information will be from your home warranty provider, Progressive Home Warranty.
http://municipalaffairs.alberta.ca/home_warranties_performance_guide
http://www.progwar.com/Media/ProgressiveWarranty/pdfs/Homeowners%20Information%20Guide.pdf