Lawn Establishment

Delivery Day

Before having your sod delivered, your lawn will need to be prepared. Begin by ensuring the area has been properly prepared by removing all of the old lawn, leaving the soil exposed. Prior to the sod installation, inspect all irrigation zones to ensure that the sod will be watered immediately and effectively after installation.

Once the sod is installed, inspect your new lawn carefully and report any issues to the installer or sod producer. These issues will be addressed quickly. Lastly, plan to apply an insecticide/fungicide combination within 48 hours of the installation and again in one week. These applications are very critical from June through October.

Week 1

  • Irrigate daily at least two times for 20-40 minutes each time. For shaded areas, once may be enough.
  • Carefully monitor the entire lawn for insect and disease damage. Damage may range from chewing of leaf blades to brown patches.
  • At the end of week one, apply another insecticide/fungicide combination. You can purchase products for controlling pests, or you can hire a lawn care professional.

Week 2

  • You can begin to reduce the irrigation cycles by half and then by the end of the week, you can return to standard watering schedules. 
  • The sod should be well rooted at this point so feel free to mow your new lawn. 
  • Continue monitoring for insects and disease and treat as needed. 

Week 3

  • Your newly established lawn should not require any fertilizer for at least two months after the installation. When choosing a fertilizer, slow release fertilizers are highly recommended. 
  • Mowing and irrigation should now be on a regular schedule. Consider installing a rain sensor or shutting off your irrigation system during heavy rains to avoid overwatering. 
  • At the end of week three, you should be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful new lawn.