CONTACT US: (813) 232-1401
2515 Hunt Rd,
Land O' Lakes FL 34638
765 E Lake Rd S,
Tarpon Springs FL 34688
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Saturday: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
SOD CARE
YOUR BEST LANDSCAPING GUIDE
New Sod Watering Schedule
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New sod requires frequent watering at first to establish roots—this is different from the typical watering needs of established lawns.
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Days 1–14:
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Water 2–4 times daily (early morning to early afternoon)
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Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy
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Avoid puddles or runoff
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Days 15–28:
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Water once daily, preferably in the morning
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Water deeply (½–¾ inch) to encourage root growth
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After 4 Weeks:
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If sod is rooted, reduce to:
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2–3 times/week in summer
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1–2 times/week the rest of the year
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Adjust based on weather and lawn health
Ideal Fertilizing Timeline
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You should wait about 30 days after installing new sod before applying fertilizer. This waiting period allows the sod to take root and acclimate to your yard’s soil conditions. Fertilizing too soon can stress the new grass and hinder healthy root development.
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Once the sod is established (after about a month), you can apply a starter fertilizer or a balanced slow-release fertilizer to support strong growth.
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Day 0–30:
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No fertilizer
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Focus on frequent watering and minimal foot traffic
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At 30 Days (or once sod is rooted):
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Apply a starter fertilizer or balanced slow-release fertilizer
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Example: 16-4-8 or a product with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Mowing New Sod
Do not mow until the sod is firmly rooted (usually after 2–3 weeks).
When to Mow
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Wait 2–3 weeks after installation, or until the sod has firmly rooted.
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Test by gently tugging on the sod — if it resists, it's ready for mowing.
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Mowing too soon can tear up the grass and damage root development.
First Mow Tips:
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Use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing the grass.
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Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clumping or rutting.
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Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade height at a time.
Recommended Mowing Heights:
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St. Augustine: 3.5 – 4 inches
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Zoysia: 2 – 2.5 inches
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Bahia: 3 – 4 inches
Avoid Walking on New Sod
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Why You Should Avoid Walking on New Sod
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New sod is fragile and needs time to root. Walking on it too soon can:
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Shift or damage sod
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Compacts soil, slowing root growth
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Cause bare or uneven spots
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Stay off for 2–3 weeks, or until the sod is firmly rooted. Use boards to spread weight if walking is necessary.
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Damage young grass blades, causing brown or bare patches.
SOD Pre-Installation
Proper prep ensures healthy root growth and long-term lawn success.
Remove Old Grass & Weeds
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Kill existing grass/weeds with a non-selective herbicide (apply 10–14 days before installation).
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Clear all debris, rocks, and dead plant material.
Till the Soil
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Loosen the top 2–4 inches of soil to improve drainage and root penetration.
Grade the Area
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Create a gentle slope away from structures for proper drainage.
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Smooth and level the soil surface.
Test the Soil
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Perform a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels.
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Adjust with lime or sulfur as needed (ideal pH: 5.5–7.0 depending on grass type).
Apply Starter Fertilizer (Optional)
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If soil test allows, apply a starter fertilizer before laying sod.
Water Lightly
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Lightly moisten the soil right before sod installation—not soggy, just damp.
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Proper care for new sod begins even before its installation. It is essential to thoroughly water the soil where the sod will be laid, as dry soil can absorb moisture from the sod, hindering its ability to establish roots. Additionally, applying a pre-plant fertilizer to the soil prior to installation can enhance the sod's growth potential.
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Given its limited shelf-life, sod should not be stored for extended periods in areas like your side yard or garage, as the heat in Florida can damage its roots and surface. Therefore, it is crucial to install the sod immediately upon delivery, particularly in humid subtropical climates such as Florida.
Water Immediately
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Water sod within 30 minutes of installation.
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Soak soil to a depth of 3–4 inches.
Establish a Watering Schedule
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Days 1–14: Water 2–4 times/day to keep sod moist.
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Days 15–28: Water once/day, more deeply.
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After 4 Weeks: Reduce to 2–3 times/week in summer; 1–2 in cooler months.
Limit Foot Traffic
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Avoid walking on the sod for at least 2–3 weeks.
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Use boards if access is necessary.
Mow When Rooted
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Wait 2–3 weeks, or until sod resists tugging.
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Mow with sharp blades and follow proper height:
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St. Augustine: 3.5–4 in
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Zoysia: 2–2.5 in
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Bahia: 3–4 in
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New sod has shallow roots and can only absorb limited water at a time. To keep it healthy, water several times a day in short bursts—preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Avoid watering at night, as it increases the risk of fungal disease.
Depending on the temperature, water 2 to 6 times per day for about 4 to 6 minutes each time. Hotter days require more frequent watering. The goal is to keep the sod and the soil underneath consistently moist, but not soggy, throughout the day.
Two Weeks of Sod Installation
After First Mow: Watering & Mowing Tips
Watering
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After mowing, reduce watering frequency but increase duration.
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Eventually water once daily, then taper to 1–3 times per week, depending on the season.
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Brown spots or shrinking seams? Increase watering time or check sprinkler coverage. Hand-water problem areas if needed.
Mowing
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Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
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Avoid "scalping" — it weakens the lawn and encourages weeds.
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Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts and healthy grass.
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In Florida, let grass grow a bit taller to shade soil, reduce weeds, and retain moisture.
Fertilizer for Healthy Sod
Timing
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Wait at least 30 days after installation before applying any fertilizer.
Soil Testing
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Test your soil pH before applying lime or sulfur.
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Use a store-bought test or get a lab test for accuracy.
Ideal pH Ranges
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St. Augustine: 6.0 – 6.5
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Bahia: 5.5 – 6.5
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Zoysia: 6.0 – 6.5
If pH is too high:
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Apply pelletized sulfur (up to 5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.)
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Only apply sulfur when temperatures are below 75°F
Fertilization Guidelines
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Apply 1–2 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft., 2–3 times per year
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Choose a fertilizer with:
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Balanced nutrients (especially high potassium)
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Slow-release nitrogen for long-term health
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For a boost between applications, use iron sulfate or other soluble iron products
to maintain color and vigor.