Post Installation
SOD POST INSTALLATION IN THE INTERMOUNTAIN WEST AREA
LAWN MAINTENANCE
At Hobbs Turf Farms, we know that maintaining a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right care of regular mowing, proper watering, and timely fertilizing, you can keep your lawn healthy, strong, and resistant to disease, weeds, and pests. A well-cared-for lawn not only boosts your property’s curb appeal, but also stays green and vibrant all year long.
WATERING
The most important watering happens right after your new sod is installed. Water your lawn within 30 minutes of laying the sod, applying at least 1 inch of water to thoroughly soak the soil beneath. The goal is to reach a soil depth of 6 inches to promote strong root growth and long-lasting results.
Tips
- Use a screwdriver or another sharp tool to check moisture depth. If it doesn’t penetrate at least 6 inches, apply more water.
- Make sure all areas of the lawn are receiving water. Corners, edges, and spots near buildings can dry out faster and are sometimes missed.
- If water runoff occurs on sloped areas before the soil is saturated, stop watering, wait 30 minutes, and resume watering in intervals until the soil is moist to a depth of 6 inches.
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and minimize wind interference.
- For the first 2-3 weeks, maintain moist soil 6 inches below the surface. Once the grass is established, most lawns do well with 1 inch of water every 3-4 days. Adjust watering frequency based on your soil’s needs.
- Use a fertilizer with a balanced mix of Nitrogen, Phosphate, and Potash for best results.
MOWING
You can start mowing your new sod once it’s fully rooted, typically 2 to 3 weeks after installation. When mowing, never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time to avoid stressing the lawn. Make sure your mower blades are sharp, as dull blades can tear the grass, leading to higher water needs and greater risk of disease.
In the summer, raise your mower to the highest setting. Taller grass shades the roots, helps retain moisture, and protects your lawn from heat stress.
GRASS CLIPPINGS
Whenever possible, leave the grass clippings on the lawn. As long as you follow the one-third cutting rule, the clippings won’t cause thatch buildup. They will dry out and naturally decompose, returning valuable nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for fertilizers, and helping to retain moisture in the soil.