Congratulations on your new Orlando sod installation! As a homeowner in Orlando, you’re on your way to enjoying a lush, green lawn that enhances the beauty of your outdoor space. Proper care and maintenance are crucial during the initial stages to ensure your sod establishes successfully and thrives in the subtropical climate of Orlando. In this blog post, we’ll share essential tips for caring for new sod and achieving the lawn of your dreams.

1. Watering:

Proper watering is crucial for the establishment of new sod, especially in Orlando’s warm and humid climate. During the first 1 to 2 weeks after installation, it’s essential to keep the sod consistently moist to encourage root growth and prevent drying out. Remember that the sod farm cuts the roots to about 2 inches in depth during harvest, so the sod can dry out within just a couple of hours. It is important to water the new sod deeply immediately after installation, ensuring the soil is thoroughly soaked but not waterlogged. For the first week, water the sod twice daily, early morning just before the sun comes up and late afternoon during the peak heat of the day, to keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated. After the 1st week, reduce watering to once daily for the next month, adjusting based on weather conditions to prevent overwatering or underwatering. Always set the irrigation timer to water early in the morning. The irrigation should be finished just before the sun comes up. After about a month the sod should have fully rooted and can be set to a traditional watering of about twice per week in the spring/summer and once per week in fall/winter. Throughout the watering process, monitor soil moisture levels and adjust watering schedules as needed to promote healthy root development and ensure the sod’s successful establishment.

2. Mowing:

Wait until your new sod has rooted firmly into the soil before mowing. This typically takes about 3-4 weeks. Set your mower blade to an appropriate height according to your grass type and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Cutting more than one-third will cause “scalping” which will make your new sod have a brownish color and weaken it overall. Mow regularly to maintain an even height and promote healthy growth. We recommend mowing once per week in the spring and summer and once every other week during the fall and winter. A typical amount of mowing events per year in Orlando is about 42 cuts per year adjusting for the seasons. 

3. Fertilizing:

Newly installed sod requires proper nutrition to establish strong roots and vibrant growth. Choose a high-quality, slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for new sod. Apply the granular fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions approximately 4-6 weeks after installation. We recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks so that your sod has established roots and the fertilizer is not watered past the root zone and ultimately wasted. Avoid using fertilizer containing herbicides (weed killer) both pre-emergent and post-emergent, as they may be harmful to the young sod. If you need more help on what fertilizers are good for sod, feel free to contact us! 

4. Weed Control:

Keep an eye out for weeds that may try to invade your new sod. Hand-pull any weeds that appear, taking care to remove the entire root system. Avoid using herbicides on new sod until it has fully established, as this may damage the young grass. If you need help controlling weeds in your new sod be sure to give us a call! Our lawn care technicians are highly trained on what herbicides can and cannot be used on your new sod. 

5. Monitoring and Maintenance:

Regularly inspect your new sod for signs of stress, disease, or pests. Keep foot traffic to a minimum during the initial establishment period to prevent damage to the delicate roots. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading and affecting the overall health of your lawn.

6. Professional Care:

For homeowners who prefer professional assistance, consider hiring a reputable lawn care company like Mr. Greenkeeper Lawn and Pest Control. Our experienced technicians can provide tailored solutions and expert advice to ensure your new sod thrives in Orlando’s climate.

Conclusion:

Caring for new sod in Orlando requires attention to detail and a commitment to proper maintenance practices. By following these tips and guidelines, you can establish a healthy and vibrant lawn that enhances the beauty of your home. Remember, the investment you make in caring for your new sod today will pay off with years of enjoyment and satisfaction in the future.

For personalized lawn care solutions and expert advice, contact Mr. Greenkeeper Lawn and Pest Control. Let us help you achieve the lawn of your dreams in Orlando!