Fertilizer Basics for Your New Sod

Are you considering adding new sod to create a lush lawn? Picking the right sod is crucial, but you need to know how to ensure that your sod takes hold. Not only is it important to prepare for your new sod, you must care for it once it is installed. Maintenance for your new sod will be important to whether it thrives or even survives. Part of that maintenance is feeding the grass the nutrients it needs. Here is what you need to know about fertilizer for your grass.

Know Your Numbers

Fertilizer has ratios of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) listed. For greener grass, you want a higher nitrogen content. Fertilizer for grass should have a much higher percentage of nitrogen than the other components. You may see combinations with little or no phosphorus. You want the best NPK ratios for your grass type.

Frequency of Fertilizing

For new sod, you will want to fertilize the first time about six weeks after installation. After that, you should plan on fertilizing every two to three months, depending on your grass types. For example, fescue grass normally only needs fertilizer every three months, starting in March and ending in December in warmer regions. Varieties like Bermuda and zoysia may need more frequent fertilizing, about every two months starting in March, but not after September due to dormancy.

Talk to your local landscape supplier about the right type of sod for your needs and the best fertilizer to keep it healthy. Feeding your new sod the right nutrients can help your grass grow greener and fuller, creating the beautiful lawn that you desire.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Preparing Soil for New Sod

Many people believe that laying new sod will take less preparation than seeding. While you may have a better chance of getting a lush lawn sooner with sod than seed, preparation is just as important. Sod is a big investment, much more than seed, so you want to ensure your new grass will take hold. While preparation for each type of grass may vary slightly, here are some basics to keep in mind.

Start Early

If you want to order your sod now, you better get started on your preparation. First get a soil sample. You need to know where your soil is chemically at now to get the right top soil and fertilizer. You should begin preparing your soil for sod at least two weeks before the sod will arrive. Talk to your landscape supplier and find out how long it will take to get your sod. Make sure you have the minimum of two weeks before your order will arrive.

First Tilling

At least two weeks before your sod arrival, the area should be treated for weeds before the first tilling. Once that is completed, you can begin tilling your area. You will want a slight slope for drainage, about 1-2%. Once it is tilled, you can add new soil or enhancements based on your soil sample.

Second Tilling

Wait about one week after the first tilling to complete the second tilling. First, add any fertilizers for your soil to match the type of grass you will be planting. Then the area can be tilled again and leveled. You want a very level surface for good adhesion of your new sod.

Before your new sod arrives, the ground should be watered. Talk to your landscape supplier about the exact care for your new sod. With proper preparation and care, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn that can last for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

Make Your Lawn the Envy of the Neighborhood

You have dreams of a lush, green carpet of grass, but your reality is a sparse, struggling and uneven lawn. If you want the kind of lawn to make your neighbors jealous, installing sod may just be the answer to your prayers. 

Understanding Sod

While laying sod will give you the lawn you’ve always wanted without the torturous wait that comes with sowing grass seed, there are still some key factors you’ll need to understand in order to make the best choice. Different types of sod, just like different types of grass seed, will perform differently depending on the climate and conditions where your property is located. Also, each type of sod will come with its own set of care instructions. Fescue sod, for instance, will remain green throughout the year and, as a result, will require year-round maintenance. The drainage and sunlight conditions on your property will determine how well a given variety performs, so choosing the right variety is crucial to lawn success. 

Sod Planting

Unlike grass seeds which must be sown and given time to sprout, sod comes to your property in an already healthy condition. The success of planting, however, is largely dependent on proper techniques being used throughout the process. This is why it’s almost always advised for homeowners to work with an experienced landscape supply company who can help you to choose the right variety while giving you planting advice relevant to your unique needs. If you’re interested in laying sod for a lawn to make your neighbors green with envy, consult with a reputable landscape supply company to learn more about the variety and planting methods which are best suited to your needs.

Posted on behalf of Clayton Hulen, Green Brothers Earth Works

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