Weeks 1 and 2
30 min morning and evening
Water 30 minutes per section morning and evening, until the soil is moist to a depth of about 4 inches. You can lift a corner of the roll to check the soil moisture.
Complete Guide
Our Maintenance Guide
It's important to follow certain procedures to ensure your sod remains impeccable. Here are the best practices to follow after installation, for watering, foot traffic, mowing, fertilizing, as well as some useful tips for your cedars.
After laying the sod
If our team installs the sod, you must water as soon as the installers have finished the project, until the soil is well soaked under the rolls. If the installation extends over more than one day, water the already laid section at the end of each day. If you install it yourself, do not wait until the entire job is finished before starting to water.
Key takeaways
Watering is the most important step after installation.
Do not walk unnecessarily on freshly laid sod, especially when it is wet.
In summer and during heatwaves, you should increase watering and avoid watering in the middle of the day.
Watering
The most important step
For the first two weeks, watering should be done morning and evening, section by section, until the soil is moist several inches deep. Needs may then vary depending on the fertilizer used and the time of year.
With or without rooting agent
Adjusted duration
With rooting fertilizer, watering can cease after 2 weeks. Without this fertilizer, continue morning and evening for another 2 weeks, then once a day for the following month.
June to August
Increased watering
During the hottest months, water 45 minutes morning and evening for 3 weeks. During a heatwave, plan 1 hour 30 minutes morning and evening and prefer night watering.
Good to know
A dry appearance or the presence of small mushrooms is not always a cause for concern
It is possible for sod to appear dry at first glance, without it meaning it lacks water. By following the recommended watering, it will quickly turn green again. If small mushrooms appear, don't panic: it simply means the lawn is sufficiently watered. They usually disappear after one or two mowings.
Good habits
What to watch for in the first few weeks
Once the sod is laid, certain reflexes are essential to help it root well and maintain a beautiful appearance all over the yard.
1
Foot traffic
Avoid walking unnecessarily on freshly installed sod for about 2 weeks with rooting fertilizer, or up to 1 month without rooting fertilizer. It is also important not to walk on freshly watered sod.
2
Animals
Promptly remove any excrement and thoroughly water areas affected by animal urine immediately afterward, to prevent the appearance of yellow spots, especially those caused by dog urine.
3
Fertilization
Apply maintenance fertilizer 3 weeks after installation, then every 30 days. It should be applied before rain or followed by abundant watering. Never apply maintenance fertilizer during a heatwave.
Seasonal Maintenance
Weeds, mowing, and cedars
Beyond watering, other maintenance actions help keep a dense, clean, and healthy lawn, while ensuring proper follow-up if you have also planted cedars.
Treatment
Weeds
Even if the sod is treated before harvesting and free of weeds, it is still recommended to have the lawn treated by a professional after installation. Some weeds may still appear and will need to be removed manually.
Mowing
1 to 2 weeks after
The first mowing should be done 1 to 2 weeks after installation, never cutting more than one-third of the blade. Afterward, generally maintain a height of 3 inches, except for Fescue.
Cedars
Watering and pruning
Cedars should be abundantly watered at the time of planting and within the following 72 hours, then 2 to 3 times a week for about 2 months. Avoid pruning in the first year.
Summary
Essential practices to keep sod impeccable
Good watering, less foot traffic, and regular maintenance make all the difference in the first few weeks.
Water seriously
Watering should start quickly and be adjusted according to the season, heat, and the presence of rooting fertilizer.
Protect the surface
Avoid walking on fresh sod, especially when it has just been watered, to preserve its leveling.
Maintain regularly
Fertilization, first mowing, weed control, and cedar care ensure a more beautiful and durable lawn.
Downloads
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Download our Maintenance Guide
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Download our BEFORE Winter Guide
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Need help maintaining your yard?
Our team can assist you with watering, fertilizing, mowing, and proper maintenance of your lawn after installation. Contact us for clear advice and fast service.