Step 4: Maintenance

• After the sod has rooted, water every third day to a depth of 8". The best time to water is in the early morning when evaporation is the lowest. Deep watering will allow the roots to penetrate farther which reduces salt buildup and makes a more water efficient lawn that is drought tolerant. Use a long screwdriver to check for water penetration. If you can insert it 8 to 10 inches easily, you have adequate water depth in the soil.


• The first mowing should occur within two weeks of installation. Thereafter, cut only the top third of the grass blade at any mowing. Keep the mower blades sharp.


• Ideally, a complete fertilizer should be applied on a monthly basis for an established lawn. For turfgrass, use a complete fertilizer with a 3-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, ie 21-7-14 or 15-5-10. Use about 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season.
  • Example: The fertilizer has an analysis of 21-7-14. The first number represents Nitrogen. Divide 100 by 21, which is about 5. Therefore, 5 pounds of fertilizer are required to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. By using a balanced fertilizer, when the correct amount of nitrogen is applied, the correct amount of phosphorous and potassium is also applied.