Caring for Your New Sod, Week by Week
New sod is forgiving once it's rooted, but the first few weeks are when it needs you most. Follow the schedule below, from delivery day through the rest of the season, and your lawn will reward you for years.
Customer Care Guide
Maritime Quality Sod (MQS) is the trusted choice for both contractors and homeowners. As an industry leader in growing techniques, we provide an elite Kentucky Bluegrasses blend that promotes plant health, is easy to install and performs well in the Maritime climate. Here are some general guidelines to help you maintain and care for your new sod:
Day 1 - 4
Before installing sod, apply starter fertilizer. Water thoroughly each day, when watering you should be able to lift up the corner and see the roots soaked underneath. Avoid walking on the grass, and refrain from mowing or weeding.
Day 5 - 13
No mowing, weeding, or fertilizing. Daily watering as needed, do not let it dry out.
Day 14 - 21
Mow at a 3" height, water twice weekly, and do not fertilize or weed.
Day 22+
Water once a week, mow at a height of 3" and weed before mowing. On day 30, add 2lbs of maintenance fertilizer per 450 square feet.
Yearly
Water as needed, mow at a height of 2" to 3" and weed before mowing. Three times a year, apply maintenance fertilizer. In dry weather, raise the mowing height to 3 ½”.
Essential Tips for Successful Sod
We want you to get the best possible finished result. By following these guidelines and advice we can ensure a healthy and lush new lawn!
Prior to the installation of your fresh sod, we recommend 4–6’’ of a good quality topsoil and rake in a starter fertilizer.
Please install your sod within 48 hours. It is a perishable product and requires both water and sunlight to survive. In hot summer temperatures, it is important to lay the sod as soon as possible. Please plan accordingly.
Water in the evening or at night. Please avoid watering in the hot sunshine.
Always ensure that the soil underneath the sod is receiving water and not just the sod. This will help promote a healthy root system and will result in a healthier lawn.
Edges and corners are more susceptible to drying out. Pay special attention to these areas.
If your sod starts to pull apart (shrinkage), increase watering.
If the sod separates, move it back and provide more water
During dry weather conditions, or if your property has a high drainage rate (ie: hill), you may need to increase the frequency of watering.
Starter Fertilizer: 5lbs per 450sqft. We recommend a fertilizer that has a 16-32-6 ratio with a 40% slow release. Maintenance Fertilizer: 2lb per 450sqft. We recommend a fertilizer that has a 20-3-4 ratio with 50% slow release. MQS carries the recommended Starter and Maintenance fertilizers. Please reach out for more information. Other fertilizers can be found at your local garden center.
MQS is Available for Purchase at These Fine Retailers
