Sod Care

WATERING

Water is essential for a healthy lawn.

• Depending on weather, soil type, and cultural practices, up to an inch of water per week may be needed for the entire root system.

• Newly seeded lawns require daily watering for up to two weeks to establish roots.

• Established lawns typically need ½ – ¾ inch of water every 3–5 days.

• Best time to water: Early morning—higher pressure, less evaporation, and minimal wind interference.

• Worst time to water:

  • Midday: Increased water loss due to wind and evaporation, requiring longer watering times.

  • Evening: Risk of disease development, especially in hot, humid weather.

• Improper watering weakens turf, leading to shallow roots and increased susceptibility to stress and injury.

MOWING

Mowing is the most important cultural practice for turf maintenance.

• Recommended mowing height: 2 – 2½ inches for most New England home lawns.

• Effects of cutting height:

  • Lower cutting height increases watering needs, weakens the root system, and causes faster drying.

• Sharp blades are essential:

  • Ensure mower blades are sharp before the mowing season begins.

• Mowing guidelines:

  • Remove no more than ¼ – 1/3 of the leaf blade per mowing.

  • Leave grass clippings on the lawn—they provide slow-release nutrients and do not contribute to thatch buildup.

  • Change mowing direction each time to promote even growth.

  • Water before mowing if the lawn shows signs of drought stress.

INSECT CONTROL

Healthy, vigorous turfgrass is the best defense against pests.

• Identify the insect type before treatment—surface or soil-dwelling.

• Insecticide effectiveness:

  • Must contact or penetrate the insect’s body.

  • Should only be applied when insects are active on the surface or in the soil.

  • Timing is crucial for successful application.

  • Watering may be required to help the product reach soil-dwelling insects.

• Target areas at risk:

  • Sunny areas are usually the first to be attacked.

• Insecticide application:

  • Always follow label directions carefully.

• Grass varieties with endophytes help reduce stress from surface-feeding insects.

• Understanding insect life cycles improves pest control strategies.

DISEASE CONTROL

Three factors are needed for turf disease:

• 1. Susceptible host (grass type)

  2. Pathogen (disease-causing organism)

  3. Right environment (favorable conditions for disease growth)

• Healthy, well-maintained lawns are more resilient to disease outbreaks.

• Key lawn care practices to reduce disease risk:

  • Proper fertilization, watering, mowing, and pest control.

• Proper care does not eliminate diseases but helps manage them effectively.

• Before applying chemicals:

  • Ask the right questions and assess the situation carefully.

• Patience is key:

  • Most lawn diseases go into remission when favorable weather conditions change, allowing the turf to recover naturally.

WEED CONTROL

• Identify weeds in your lawn before starting any control program.

• Pre-emergent applications in spring help minimize broadleaf weeds.

• Healthy lawn practices reduce weed growth—most weeds thrive in poorly maintained soil.

• Follow label directions carefully when applying chemicals.

• Weeds must be actively growing for control methods to be effective.

• Timing is crucial—young, actively growing weeds are easier to eliminate.

WEED CONTROL METHODS:

• Pre-emergence control:

  • Forms a barrier at the soil surface to prevent weed growth.

  • Timing is key—split applications enhance effectiveness.

  • Combination products (fertilizer + herbicide) can be effective if properly applied.

  • Must be watered into the soil for activation.

• Post-emergence control:

  • Applied when weeds are visible, young, and actively growing.

  • Young weeds are easier to control.

  • Healthy turfgrass can fill in voids left by removed weeds.