When the sod has reached a height of 3-4" set the irrigation controller so the new lawn is not watered for two days in a row. On the second non-watering day, mow your new lawn with your mower set on the highest cutting height. Then mow again in the opposite direction at the normal height of 2 1/2". Bag and remove the clippings. Resume your watering schedule. Continue mowing on a weekly basis, making sure that you suspend watering so that your lawn is dry the day that you cut it. During the year, leaves and debris may fall on the new lawn; be sure to rake and remove debris weekly. Debris that is left on the lawn will kill grass, leaving dead patches and inviting pest problems.

At six weeks, fertilize your sod lawn with a quality, slow release fertilize, something similar to a 10-6-4, 50% slow release product. After that we recommend fertilizing 4 times per year. Problems with broadleaf weeds are unlikely in a new sod lawn. If broadleaf weeds become a problem, treat the lawn with a "weed & feed" fertilizer.

Pests can become a problem in your sod lawn. Pests can be molds, fungi, insects or weeds and all must be treated differently. Regular mowing, fertilizing and proper watering techniques should prevent most problems. We recommend an IPM approach to pest management to protect both your landscape and the environment. You should contact Horizon immediately if you notice any abnormalities.

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