Never allow sod to stay on the pallet longer than is absolutely necessary or you may expect major turf loss. High temperatures or windy conditions will increase the susceptibility of turf damage if sod is allowed to sit on the pallet. For best results, sod should be installed the same day it is delivered. If you are installing sod in the heat, cool the ground with a light misting of water to avoid burning the roots.

Give your new lawn a thorough soaking immediately after it is installed/ Apply enough water to penetrate the sod and dampen the soil below. The easiest way to check this is to lift a piece of sod and check the soil underneath to be sure it is damp. Do not over water. You do not want to have water standing in the sod. Keep the sod moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks).

Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of water to maintain your lawn. Apply 0.5 to 1 inch of water as a deep soaking every 5-7 days to encourage a deep health root system. Avoid frequent, shallow watering that results in shallow roots, permitting weed germination and growth.

Optimum mowing height is 1 ½ to 2 inches for a high quality lawn. Mow regularly with a sharp rotary or reel mower, allowing the clippings from frequent mowing to remain on the lawn. Never remove more than ⅓ of the shoot growth at one mowing.

Fertilize 4-6 times per growing season with a 16-0-8 fertilizer, applied at a rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. A broadcast spreader is recommended. The first application in the spring should be about April, and the final fertilizing in the fall in early November.