Maintenance

Once you have installed your sod, it's important to take the proper maintenance steps to protect your investment. We've created some general guidelines that will not only help you to protect your investment but will also help increase the longevity of your sod.

Mello Blue and Mello Rye

Watering: To aid deep rooting systems, water your bluegrass every day after installation until soil is spongy for approximately 10 to 14 days; thereafter watering can be reduced. Always water as often as possible in the hot summer months.

Mowing: Mow to a height of about 2 to 2 1/4 inches, being careful not to scalp the grass. Be careful not to remove more than 1/3 of top grass. Using a mower with a grass catcher attachment to catch clippings is best. It reduces the possibility of thatching and disease problems.

Fertilization: Using nitrogen products (ammonium sulfate is a good example) about every six weeks will keep the bluegrass lush green in appearance. A recommended ration is one pound of nitrogen to 1,000 square feet of sod. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Your bluegrass should be fertilized on a 1/2 pound to 1,000 square feet ratio. Be sure to follow label instructions.

West Coaster, Mello Fescue and Emerald Fescue

Watering: To protect your new investment, watering is most essential. After installing your sod, it should be watered daily and soaked thoroughly for the first 10 - 14 days. This encourages deep rooting in a new environment. Once the sod has established, watering may be reduced. Depending on the soil conditions, it is difficult to recommend a watering schedule, but because fescue has deep roots, usually four times per week is considered sufficient in summer weather.

Mowing: Your fescue should be mowed on a weekly basis with a sharp blade mower with a grass catcher attachment. Clippings should be removed so as not to create thatch buildup. It should be mowed at a height of about 2 to 2 1/2 inches, and care should be taken to avoid scalping. Be careful not to remove more than 1/3 of top grass.

Fertilization: To keep your fescues lush green in appearance, you should fertilize your lawn approximately once around two to three weeks after installation and approximately once a month thereafter. Fertilizers should contain a nitrogen product such as ammonium sulfate. Your fescues should be fertilized on a 1/2 pound to 1,000 square feet ratio. Be sure to follow label instructions.

If you should have further questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call at (408) 597-7000 OR (408) 610-8973. We’d be more than happy to help!

U-Save Sod serves the entire San Francisco Bay area!