Sod Instructions

Sod Installation Riverview Fl

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Top Lawn Pros – Pro Care Instructions for Your New Sod

Thank you for choosing Top Lawn Pros! A healthy lawn starts with the right care—especially in the first few weeks after installation. Follow these professional care instructions to help your new sod take root and thrive.

 

WATERING INSTRUCTIONS

Proper watering is critical during the establishment period. These instructions assume you have an irrigation system in place.

Sod Installation Riverview Fl 3St. Augustine Sod

Days 1–14 (Establishment Phase)

  • Water daily, early in the morning (before 7 a.m.). 
  • Run each zone long enough to apply ½” to ¾” of water.
  • Sod should remain moist throughout the day but not soggy.
  • Avoid walking or placing heavy objects on the lawn.

Days 15–30 (Transition Phase)

  • Water every other day, applying more water per cycle to encourage deeper root growth. 
  • Continue early morning watering only.

Day 30 and Beyond (Maintenance Phase)

  • Water 2 to 3 times per week, delivering 1 inch of water per week total (including rainfall). 
  • Adjust frequency based on weather conditions and soil type.

 

Bahia Sod

Days 1–14 (Establishment Phase)

  • Water twice daily (before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m.) for shorter durations—10 to 15 minutes per zone. 
  • Bahia has shallow roots initially and dries out quickly.

Days 15–30 (Transition Phase)

  • Switch to once daily watering in the early morning. 
  • Increase duration slightly to encourage deeper rooting.

Day 30 and Beyond (Maintenance Phase)

  • Water twice per week, depending on rainfall. 
  • Bahia is drought-tolerant and prefers deeper, less frequent watering.

Pro Tip: Use a rain gauge or tuna can to track irrigation totals. Adjust runtimes if you see puddling or runoff.

Lawn Service Riverview Fl Green Divider

FERTILIZATION & WEED CONTROL

Sod Installation Riverview Fl 2To protect your investment, we recommend hiring a professional fertilization and weed control company after your sod is established.

  • Do not apply fertilizer or weed control products for the first 6 weeks.
  • A professional provider can help:
  • Promote healthy, sustained growth
    • Identify and treat pests or diseases early
    • Apply pre- and post-emergent weed control safely

DIY fertilizers or weed killers may burn or stress new sod if applied too soon or incorrectly.

MOWING GUIDELINES

First Mow

  • Wait until the sod is fully rooted—typically 14–21 days
  • Check by gently tugging on the sod. If it resists, it’s ready.
  • Set mower height to:
    • St. Augustine: 4.5”–5”
    • Bahia: 3”–3.5”
  • Always use sharp blades to prevent tearing.

Ongoing Mowing

  • Mow weekly, or as needed to maintain recommended height
  • Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade height at a time.
  • Avoid mowing when the lawn is wet.

 

 

ADDITIONAL TIPS

  • Avoid heavy foot traffic, pets, or lawn equipment on new sod during the first few weeks.
  • Do not apply herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides until the lawn is fully established.
  • Keep beds and tree rings mulched to reduce weed competition.

 

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

We’re just a call or email away. If you have any questions or notice unusual changes in your lawn’s appearance, contact us right away. Our team is here to help you protect your investment and enjoy a beautiful lawn for years to come.

813-595-3920

toplawnpros@gmail.com

www.toplawnpros.com