Canonsburg Lawn Installation

Watering: Begin watering sod within 30 minutes of installation. Sod should be watered frequently with small amounts of water to encourage rooting. Apply water at least once per day during the first two weeks after installation. Use enough water to keep the sod and the soil beneath it moist but not soaking wet throughout the day. Be extra careful during hot, dry and windy weather — newly installed sod can dry out quickly. As more and more roots penetrate the soil (carefully lift the edges of strips in several locations to check), decrease the frequency of watering but increase the total amount of water applied each time to encourage a deep and healthy root system. Hand watering usually allows you to regulate the amount of water applied better than using a mechanical sprinkler.

Mowing and applying fertilizer: Until a new lawn has a fully established root system, avoid heavy use. Mow as soon as the leaf blades exceed 4 inches in height. Set your mower to cut at a height of 3 to 3 1/2 inches and make sure that you use a newly sharpened blade. After 4 to 6 weeks of growth, fertilize the sod according to the soil test recommendations. In the absence of a soil test, apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet (10 pounds of 10-10-10 or equivalent). Apply 1/2 inch of water after fertilizing to wash the fertilizer particles off the leaf blades. Remember to watch for insects, diseases or other problems.