We’re kind of an impatient bunch, aren’t we?
We like our burgers and fries fast, our movies instantly streamed, and we can’t wait for our lawn to look great.
So, about that sod: how long?
Read this and you’ll have answers in just a few minutes.
This one depends on the season. The warmer the temperature, the faster sod takes root.
Your sod should root in five to 15 days in the summer, and 20 to 30 days in the winter.
If it’s not taking root, you may be overwatering. Give us a call and we’ll come to take a look.
Technically, cut sod will last about 36 hours in the summer and about 72 hours in the winter.
But get it installed ASAP, please.
The sooner your fresh sod goes from the farm to your soil, the better, so it doesn’t dry out. The same day is best.
Our sod is cut fresh the day it’s scheduled for delivery to you, not stashed on a pallet somewhere baking in the sun.
The quick answer: a lot. But not too much.
Don’t worry — we'll give you a lot more detail with your new sod.
The instructions for watering new sod vary, depending on what type of grass, what time of year your sod is installed, and if it's planted in sun or shade.
Water too little, and your sod will wilt and die.
Water too much, and disease will set in.
Here at Ground Source, we offer a detailed sod care guide. You’ll know what times to water, for how long, and even which of your irrigation heads to use for what amount of time.
Water is the single most important step to keeping your new sod alive and thriving, so we take our watering instructions really seriously.
Mow as soon as you're able to tug on the grass and it feels “tacked” to the ground.
This usually happens after about two weeks in the summer and four weeks in the winter.
If the sod isn't starting to root after this amount of time, that likely means it’s getting too much water.
When you mow for the first time, go easy — don’t cut more than one-third of the length the first time. Don’t leave excess clippings on the ground. Bagging them is best for your new lawn. If that isn’t an option, then rake up the clippings.
Plan on about three hours per pallet. (Sorry, you’ll have to do your own math.)
If that seems like a long time to you, you’ve probably never installed sod.
There’s a lot more to this than rolling out that new grassy carpet.
Crews have to flag all irrigation heads, strip the area with sod cutters, and haul away all the old sod.
They need to level out any imperfections on your lawn, match up all the seams, fit the sod around obstacles like trees and walkways, check and adjust all your irrigation heads.
Considering all the work involved, it goes pretty fast.
Right away, please.
A starter fertilizer will encourage your new sod’s roots to get established.
Fertilizing new sod will strengthen the roots. The more durable the turf, the less susceptible the grass will be to disease and insects.
Remember, fertilizing doesn't stop here. Plan to continue feeding your lawn throughout the year to keep it healthy.
Again, right away.
Your new sod is getting a lot of water at first as it gets established, and that extra moisture can make it susceptible to fungus.
Apply a systemic and curative fungus control within seven days of your sod installation. An insect control product at this time is a good idea, too.
You can walk on your new sod lawn but avoid any heavy traffic right away. No construction, wheelbarrows, or soccer games until it gets established after a few weeks.
You don’t want the fragile root system to tear before it’s fully established. Good sod care after installation gives you a better chance of a thriving lawn later on.
Not every installer offers one, but we warranty sod for 30 days during certain times of the year, as long as customers adhere to our post-care requirements, which include treatment with a starter fertilizer, an approved insecticide, and an approved fungicide, as well as following our watering instructions. Some restrictions apply.
One to two weeks. Just enough time to get really excited about your new sod lawn!
Why wait? The sooner you call us, the sooner we’ll show up with your new green carpet of lawn.
We’re sod experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.