Caring for a newly sodded lawn can be a unique challenge for lawn care operators (LCOs). Unlike an established lawn, a newly sodded lawn will be fragile and require special attention. LCOs taking on customers with new sod will need to prevent issues like poor rooting, weed infestations, and uneven growth—which, on turf that young, can lead to significant issues and even death. Here are five tips that can help ensure newly laid turf stays healthy, in no particular order.
1. Apply a Starter Fertilizer
After two to four weeks, newly installed sod will start taking root in the soil. If the customer hasn’t done it already, applying a starter fertilizer will give the turf the nutrients it needs to establish strong roots. A product with a well-balanced NPK ratio, such as ATS 16-28-12, will provide all the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium necessary to support early growth. An organic, nitrogen-rich blend like Nature Safe 18-0-2 can be beneficial, too. Starter fertilizer should be put down immediately and followed by spot treatments, where necessary, once the turf has rooted.
2. Water Daily and Manage Moisture
Watering is the most crucial aspect of caring for newly sodded lawns. For the first two weeks, daily watering is a must to ensure the sod does not dry out. As an LCO, you will need to instruct your customers to water several times per day. Once the root system has developed, their watering frequency can gradually be reduced to once per day and then several times per week.
Consider offering your customers a wetting agent like Precip G to aid in moisture management. Wetting agents help the soil retain moisture and ensure water penetrates down to the roots, keeping the turf from drying out before establishment. These products benefit all turf types, helping them root and get established quickly.
3. Spot Spray Weeds
New lawns are susceptible to weeds, but quick detection and treatment can help keep them at bay. New turf will also be susceptible to chemical treatments, so spot spraying is the recommended approach. This method targets only the affected areas, minimizing the risk of damaging the new turf while preventing weeds from out-competing it. Be sure to wait to apply herbicide products until the property has been mowed several times.
It’s important to note that products containing mesotrione, like ArmorTech Trione XL, can be put down immediately. ATS also carries The Andersons’ 21-22-4 fertilizer, which contains mesotrione.
4. Soil Testing and Amendments
Offering a soil test to new customers will give them peace of mind that their turf is in good shape. If any improvements are needed, it will provide you with the insights they need to adjust the soil’s nutrient and pH levels. This can also help you develop a treatment plan for the next growing season. A foliar product like Foliar-Pak Grow-In provides all the necessary nutrients for rapid turf establishment in one convenient package. You can also view our soil amendment products here. You can also use 11-52-0 and 0-0-60 as amendments to correct phosphorous and potassium levels if needed.
5. Topdress With Compost
Topdressing can help even out turf and add beneficial organic material that provides nutrients to the soil. The best time to apply compost is early fall or spring, when the grass is actively growing. Topdress the lawn with a thin layer of compost, ensuring it is evenly distributed to avoid smothering the new sod.
For additional information about caring for newly sodded yards, reach out to your ATS rep. If you’re new to ATS, use our rep finder tool to find one today.
