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A healthy landscape starts with the right foundation and a balanced approach. There are three key components to long-term landscape success: SOIL, IRRIGATION, and FERTILIZER. When these elements work together and are well managed, your lawn and plants can establish strong roots, use water efficiently, and stay vibrant throughout the seasons. From improving soil conditions to optimizing watering and providing the nutrients your landscape needs. We’re here to help with every part of that process!
Preparing for Sod
Proper preparation is the key to successful sod installation. Removing old vegetation, correcting grading, and improving soil conditions by laying top soil create a clean, stable surface where new roots can establish quickly. Loosening compacted soil and ensuring proper drainage allows water and nutrients to move effectively through the root zone.
CARING FOR YOUR NEW LAWN
Caring for your new lawn is critical to keep that dark green color!
Proper watering is the single most important lawn care tip we can give for the establishment of your sodded lawn. It is necessary to begin watering your new sod lawn in our Utah climate immediately after installation. +In extremely hot weather, it is helpful to work a section out, get the water on it, and then continue laying.
The first 3 days are critical in applying enough water to saturate the top 4 – 6 inches of soil. This requires approximately ½ inch of water per day. This total amount should be applied over 2 – 3 watering periods each day. On the 4th day, begin watering ¼ inch per day. After 2 weeks, you may resume a normal watering schedule.
Another sod and lawn care tip for Utah yards that most people don’t consider is that the edges, sod ends, and borders will be the first places to dry out and turn a yellowish color. Since the demand for water is greater in these spots, it may be helpful to apply water to them directly from a hose until established.
When caring for your new lawn it is important to keep in mind that efficient water and fertilizer programs are the key to a beautiful, healthy lawn in Utah’s dry climate.
Mowing for the First Time
When caring for your new lawn you can begin mowing your lawn anywhere from two to three weeks after installation. Always make sure your mower blades are sharp. Your Sod was trimmed prior to delivery so that by the time it needs to be mowed it should be safe to do so. Don’t remove more than a third of the height of the blades at one time.
Removal of more may result in shock, unsightly appearance, or may make your lawn more susceptible to disease. We also recommend that you rotate between bagging and mulching. To much mulching can build up a thatch layer on the soil which makes it harder for water and fertilizer to penetrate the soil and make it to the root structure. By avoiding this you can save water and have a healthier lawn.
FERTILIZING
Care for your new lawn by continuing Fertilization.
Fertilizing your Utah sod lawn has been an important part of this process. Grass is a living growing plant and needs to be fed.
One of our best tips for your Utah lawn is that a starter sod fertilizer be applied with your first mowing. Bulldog Black Magic Fertilizer has a Jump Start Fertilizer specifically designed for new Sod or Seed. This will help promote root growth. It’s a 19-26-5 Blend. After this application we highly recommend the five step program we offer. Even if you plant mid season you can join the program at its current step.
Sign Up for our Fertilizer Application HERE
When caring for your new lawn you can begin mowing your lawn anywhere from two to three weeks after installation. Always make sure your mower blades are sharp. Your sod was trimmed prior to delivery so that by the time it needs to be mowed it should be safe to do so. Don’t remove more than a third of the height of the blades at one time.
Removal of more may result in shock, unsightly appearance, or may make your lawn more susceptible to disease. We also recommend that you rotate between bagging and mulching. Too much mulching can build up a thatch layer on the soil which makes it harder for water and fertilizer to penetrate the soil and make it to the root structure. By avoiding this you can save water and have a healthier lawn.
Aeration
Care for your new lawn by Aerating it at least once a year.
Aerating your yard once a year is important because it helps maintain healthy grass by improving soil conditions. Doing so helps break up thatch and soil compaction.
When you Aerate your Utah lawn’s Sod small holes are perforated in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots of your lawn. This helps your grass grow deeper and stronger roots. When your grass has deeper roots it becomes more drought tolerant and will require less water.