This video will give you a timeline of how to take care of your new sod lawn for the first couple months. Wait until the weather cools back down to a normal temperature. Make the last application of nitrogen fertilizer no later than eight weeks before the first frost. Due to its three main functions, I find Scotts Turf Builder fertilizer is excellent for zoysia grass. However- youll want to avoid over-fertilizing your soil, as this will most likely lead to sod damage. Once you've ensured your sod has the proper sunlight and water, the rest is routine maintenance. With a deeply-rooted turf, your lawn will likely maintain its lush appearance for a long time. This is the most important application of fertilizer for the whole year since it will protect your lawn as it goes dormant over winter. Finally, you should fertilize your new sod one last . If the ground has compacted again, perform a second aeration in October. If the soil is compacted to a depth of over 2.5 inches, work it loose and deeply. You can use lawn fertilizer for this application. It needs to get established to its new environment. This is when your lawn needs a fair amount of nitrogen, and demand cannot usually be met by environmental sources alone. Most individual sod pieces will dry out along exposed edges or edges that are not tightly placed together. Lawn fertilizing is a game of patience and precision when performed. We also have these same guides for brand specific bermuda grass varieties such asCelebrationBermudagrassunder theCaresection of our website. We disagree. Most lawn care companies recommend that you apply lawn fertilizer in the spring, between February and April. Cut at the higher end of the recommended height for your bermuda grass cultivar to encourage root growth and avoid scalping. Apply fertilizers in early spring and late summer or fall when grass is actively growing. Read Also: When to Start Walking on New Sod. If you are not 100% sure of your fertilizer then it would be wise to opt for a slow-release fertilizer. However, during the fall, you should mow slightly higher. Choose the best time of year to start a new lawn from seed. Heres how to do it: 1. Understanding this ratio enables you to determine the total number of pounds of each product ingredient in the bag. While most people know to fertilize their lawns in the spring, it is important to remember that fall feeding is critical, too. Stop immediately and wait a few more days. Fertilize the newly laid sod 4 to 6 weeks after it is laid. Usually, depending on time of year, we recommend that you wait about one month from the time that it's been laid down, four to six weeks, and then we recommend that you put out a balanced fertilizer such as a triple 15, or a 15-5-10, or something like that. Your email address will not be published. They also determine if there are amendments that need to be added before planting. Even without hot temperatures, applying chemical fertilizers . Both can provide plants with valuable nutrients, but they are not interchangeable. At this point, the roots of the sod will have had a chance to grow and establish themselves, and they will be able to better absorb the fertilizer. These tests will help determine what fertilizer is best for your new lawn. The Bermuda field typically spreads fastest when the level of pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. How Do You Fertilize Citrus Trees? This is actually cheaper than purchasing each seasonal box individually. Heres the thing, though. We have prepared this buying guide to help you choose the right fertilizer from the list of best fertilizers for Bermuda grass. In this guide, we will discuss the different times that you should fertilize your new sod, as well as how to go about doing it. Its time for you to get to work and build an evergreen, thick terrace. Thank you for your reading, and see you in our next article! When fertilizing new sod, you want to wait until the root system has been established and grown down into the topsoil before feeding it with a specially-formulated started fertilizer. Take rainfall into account and avoid standing water. Continue giving your bermuda grass lawn nutrients by transitioning to the completeLawnifi Annual Fertilizer Programor choose a granular program likeLawnifi Foundation. Safer Brand's Lawn Restore fertilizer is another organic option that's good for your soil as well as your Bermudagrass. At this point, the roots of the sod will have had a chance to grow and establish themselves, and they will be able to better absorb the fertilizer. Another benefit is that your lawn color tends to be better throughout the fall if you give your grass some added nourishment. Apply about inch of water each time. Using weed control is an important part of any lawn maintenance plan. Many also contain quick-release nitrogen to assist in germination and the development of the seed. When to Fertilize New Sod Many lawn care experts argue that it's best to wait 30 days or so after installation to even think of applying fertilizer to new sod. To ensure optimal lawn health, fertilize heavily in the fall and lightly in early spring. The next application of regular fertilizer for your new lawn is in the fall before the onset of frost or snow. However, if the fall you should use a specific fall fertilizer that is slightly higher in phosphorous and potassium, as it will promote better root growth. Schedule a service today. Each bottle covers around 5,000 sq. Well, lets talk about what lawns need in order to grow and stay healthy and green. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Maintain was formulated to enhance overall turfgrass growth and hardiness. This granular fertilizer is indeed a fast way to have a thick and green lawn because of high nitrogen content and water solubility. This will help the roots of the sod to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer. What Is The Best Time To Fertilize? How often. In addition, applying fertilizer in the fall helps to protect against winter weeds. Maintain was formulated to enhance overall turfgrass growth and hardiness. 1. All plants including grass, trees, ornamentals or even crops need nutrients for growth and overall health. and check out the video further below in this blog. How To Use: Using a hand or broadcast spreader, evenly distribute granules across the entire lawn. The more you water your lawn, the more fertilizer it will need. With NPK of 30-0-6, it is designed for all types of lawn grass, including Bermuda grass. In a newly establishing lawn, phosphorus serves to help with root growth so that your sod connects with the soil underneath it and deepens, causing the sod to stick to the ground. The content on this website is tested and reviewed by our expert. This is best done by watering deeply, for 3040 minutes twice per week. If this is the case, re-test your lawn in the fall . This is why homeowners must carefully consider when to fertilize their new turfs. With some exceptions, your lawn likely only needs to be fertilized one to three times per year. Bermuda : 1 to 2 inches: 1 to 1 inch : Buffalograss : 3 to 4 inches: 2 to 3 inches . The first application of fertilizer to bermudagrass should be made in spring when the grass is 50% green OR when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees F. Visit www.georgiaweather.net to determine local soil temperature. For those who prefer traditional granular fertilizer applications, check outLawnifi Foundation, a granular fertilizer that can be used throughout the different seasons all year long. In reality, however, waiting this long is a bad idea. The nitrogen will promote strong, green growth that will turn your sod lawn into a seamless carpet of grass. With regular application, you will soon have a soft and lush green carpet of Bermuda grass. At least four weeks, and possibly as many as eight. Kills seen and unseen weeds. You can choose between liquid or granular. Increased chance of erosion. Finally, youll want to avoid fertilizing your new Bermuda grass lawn in early spring, as theres still the possibility of frosting, resulting in turf damage. The lawn is supposed to be kept perpetually wet and walking may leave behind depressions besides damaging the still-sensitive grass. best time to feed new sod with fertilizer, Can You Put Too Much Lime on Lawn? In other words, they are specially formulated for seedlings. Too much fertility will result in a thatchy and unhealthy lawn. andLiquid Lawnifis Most FAQs. Spread the starter fertilizer before you add Bermuda grass seeds using a broadcast or drop spreader. But, it can also be very detrimental to the health of your turf if undertaken at the wrong time or during the dormant season. This will help you choose the appropriate fertilizer for Bermuda grass in your lawn. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawnifi 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer Program. Choose a liquid, high nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer. High in nitrogen. You can use the same complete fertilizer as you have been using, or switch to a fertilizer with little or no phosphorus but a higher rate of potassium. Selecting a suitable time for planting plays a key role in creating a fuller and healthier lawn. Check the edges of each piece as well as the overall perimeter of your lawn as these are the most susceptible to drying out. Insect Identification The perimeter of the lawn and the seams between sod pieces are the most likely areas to dry out. This is when your grass will start to green up as it begins to actively grow. Before you plant your sod, the soil should be tested for pH, phosphorous, and potassium levels. Water once in the morning, and once in the afternoon to prevent sod drying and shrinking. When fertilizing new sod on your lawn, consider the following: Whether you're using regular or starter fertilizer, apply enough fertilizer to contain at least half a pound of nitrogen. This nourishment can also be derived from fallen leaves, grass clippings and the like. Now that youve finished with the sod installation, you may be wondering when to fertilize new sod and what is the best fertilizer for new sod. Plant Lawn At The Right Time By Bermuda Grass Seed. Make sure to use this fertilizer on a well established lawn. As long as the temperatures are above 65F . St. Augustine: Least drought-tolerant of the warm season grasses. Depending on the season you install your grass, you may be transitioning to the beginning of spring with theSpring Fertilizer Box. Grow it diduntil it started dying off. Regular fertilizer contains a mix of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus at a 1-2-1 ratio. Proper fertilization is a must if you want to have lush, green, and thick Bermuda grass on your lawn. For the first 2 weeks after sod installation, water new Bermuda sod 2 times per day for 10 minutes each watering session. When do you need to fertilize new sod or fertilize new grass? Mr. Landschoot recommends the application of a half to one pound of nitrogen per 1000- square feet of sod area. Apply the second bottle of Lawnifi Grow at a full rate. To ensure your sod's health and encourage a dense turf, you will also need to . What happened? Innovative triple action. What differentiates this lawn food from others is the high nitrogen content that ensures deep green Bermuda grass. If this is the case, replace the affected sod areas by raking and pulling them out, then proceed to re-sod the area. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. You can generally transition from an establishment fertilizer schedule to a regular fertilizer schedule after the first 30 days of establishment are up. Mowing heights below 1 inch will require a reel mower and very level ground; therefore, most bermudagrass lawns are maintained between 1 and 2 1 2 inches. Fertilizing in winter will break the dormancy and force the Bermuda grass to grow. You can give your grass a bit of extra help by applying slow-release nitrogen fertilizer in 45- to 60-day intervals throughout the season. Your bermuda grass is typically mowed at a height of .5-1.5 inches. It sports a richly green color, and features a fine to medium texture. Phosphorus is an excellent nutrient for new sod as it helps the grass establish a good rooting system. Water thoroughly morning and late afternoon. Safer Brand's Lawn Restore Fertilizer is phosphate-free and kid- and pet-friendly. Well, after your lawn is installed, its no longer a baby, so you need to switch to more appropriate food.. Soak upon installation as water is needed to keep your grass from drying out. Late spring (March to April) and early summer (June to July) are perfect seasons for fertilizing because of the warm temperatures. Still, you should follow the manufacturers recommendations when applying starter fertilizer to avoid overfeeding the grass and consequently degrading the soil. The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? The next time you should fertilize your new sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down. 1. You May Like: What Is The Smallest Riding Lawn Mower. If you are like most homeowners, you have entered into the now what? stage. PGF will help get that thick green lawn. Grass plugs are a great tool for repairing damaged areas of the lawn or to establish a lawn when sod or seed is not available or practical. Check out the schedule below: This step takes place on the day of installation. Fertilizing the field at an inopportune time could harm the development of your greensward. Be sure to fertilize it according to the schedule laid out in this article, and soon youll be enjoying a lush, green lawn. Use grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how well a certain grass type performs in your home landscape. Lightly rake the seed into the soil surface, then firm the soil with a tamper, roller, or garden tractor tires. Specifically, the grass should start to turn green and require mowing at least twice before its time to fertilize for the spring. As stated above water twice a day for the first nine days after installationonce in the morning and then again in the evening. Choose a liquid, high nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer. These fertilizers tend to encourage excess growth of foliage at the expense of root development, which makes grass more susceptible to drought and disease. If you are using it in a hot climate, make sure you water the grass well after application. For example, a fertilizer product label may read 8-0-24, otherwise known as an N-P-K ratio. Mowing the grass will remove any dead, dormant grass and promote new spring growth. Fertilizer can provide the additional nutrients your yard needs to prevent these problems and keep your grass healthy and looking good. Or is it just for beautification? As the grass grows, it uses more nutrients. This lawn fertilizer by Miracle-Gro is a good choice for Bermuda grass because it is high in nitrogen and iron, therefore putting focus on achieving a dark green color. If your lawn reaches at least 50 percent green, it is best to use a slow-release fertilizer. When tomato plants begin to flower and bear fruit, fertilize them every 2-3 weeks, depending on plant productivity. Use half of the first bottle of liquid fertilizer in the Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Grow, on your already installed sod. When do you reapply your starter fertilizer after the sod is installed and the grass starts growing in? Using slow-release nitrogen will benefit your lawn without spurring uncontrolled growth that can force you to have to mow more frequently. Our product line of Lawnifi grass seed features fertilizer coated seed designed to promote root growth and successful establishment at planting. If this isnt the case, wait a few more days and check again before mowing. Then fertilize every six to eight weeks, making the last application four weeks before the first frost. Fertilization is important to a new bermuda grass lawn. Also, watering in the morning limits water evaporation situations that will burn your green. It contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer with two bottles that have an 8-8-8 ratio and one bottle with a 16-0-4. Fall Fertilization Why fertilize in the fall? Recommended Reading: How To Kill Spiders In Lawn. A good rule of thumb is to wait to fertilize your warm-season grass until nighttime temperatures are around 70 F. Please note that the table only lists the multi-purpose fertilizers. Bermuda - Planting Sod Kill all weeds by spraying the area with a non-selective weed killer two weeks before planting. From our perspectives, read the instructions carefully first and then select the appropriate application based on the type of turf you have. Also, the soil gains ample water absorption needed for the formation of new sod. For the final summer feeding, consider . Phosphorous levels can easily build up too much in soil, resulting in runoff that ends up in surface waters. In fact, the main ingredient in most starter fertilizers is phosphorous, which makes grass seeds much more likely to germinate and sprout. What kind of lawn do I have? Thinking about installing new sod? So, a bag with 6 pounds of total nitrogen will cover an area of 4000 square feet (6 divided by 1.5 pounds per 1000 square feet). For now, lets look at a schedule that dictates when to fertilize new grass. However, new sod needs regular irrigation and fertilization in order to help it establish itself properly. Learn more inWhen to Water Newly Installed Sod. Overwatering for an extended period of time, however, will severely damage the sod, inducing disease and rotting roots. However, following the general tips below will help you decide when to fertilize the lawn: Applying fertilizer outside of the period stated on the instructions as well as the guide above will run the risk of damaging your lawn so it is important to pay attention to this. If you don't use Total Lawn Food, be sure to check to ensure the fertilizer is approved for use on Bermuda, Zoysia or Fescue. The next time you should fertilize your new sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down. If you think disease is present, apply a systemic fungicide likeHeritage G. Water thoroughly morning and late afternoon. They use regular fertilizer instead of starter fertilizer. Additionally, check whether you have brown or yellow spots on your grass blades, as this is one of the common symptoms of a nitrogen burn. You will learn how much to water the sod, how soon to mow it, as well as when to. When used with a hose attachment, nutrients are carried through the soil where the biggest benefit is how fast nutrients reach the roots. This will help improve drainage and reduce compaction. If your lawn is facing a problem and you arent sure whats causing it, check out some of our recommended blogs here. Being a warm-season turfgrass, the most appropriate time to fertilize newly-grown St. Augustine grass is in mid-spring when chances of frosting are minimal. and how to grow a healthy lawn. ft.) so that it doesnt leach or carry over. Of course, you dont have to fertilize! Below is a guide detailing how often to apply popular U.S. lawn fertilizers such as Scotts or Pennington. Lawn care professionals understand that knowing when to fertilize new grass can make the difference between a thriving yard and grass that is less equipped to handle the brutal Southern heat. These components will quickly release and spread into your soil. For fall fertilizer formulation, adding potassium will help the meadow prevent disease and maintain enough strength to overcome wintertime. Follow our post to get to know the best stage for enriching your new meadow! Choosing Fertilizers for New Sods For most irrigation systems, this requires a 20-minute cycle. However, after watering during days 25, you should be able to check for any dry spots that arent receiving water. If you intend to overseed with more Bermuda grass seed, wait 2 weeks after fertilizing. Yes, you should fertilize new sod, as its beneficial for root establishment. The entire family of Lawnifi liquid products are actually carbon-based fertilizers that serve to enhance your soil of which the grass grows in. Avoid using starter fertilizers for these subsequent applications, as their high phosphorus content significantly contributes to groundwater pollution. Im Kelly Lawrence, two years after graduating with a Journalism major, I had the opportunity to apply my experiences to become the founder and executive content writer of this gardening blog. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. If you apply starter fertilizer after you've planted grass seed: Use the fertilizer spreader and apply it over the soil. To learn more, readWhen to Fertilize Newly Installed Sod. This is to check and see if the sod is establishing properly. You should use the garden hose to access your lawn if you have small and midsize yards. You can choose the fertilization technique of your choice because this lawn food can be applied via the soil or foliar application. As always, when using a chemical, be sure to read and follow all guidelines on the product label. Water 3 to 4 times daily to keep the seed and soil surface moist. The New Lawn Starter Box from Lawnifi contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer. This means it needs sprinkling anywhere from two to six times a day. Bermuda grass lawn needs 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. How long? Plus, there are many ways that you can make a mistake, which will put you right back at square one. Begin transitioning to 1-inch of water per week total. Learn to take the best possible care of your lawn and garden by subscribing to our weekly Sod University newsletter or by referring to our installation, establishment and maintenance guides. In terms of year seasons, the best time for fertilizing newly-installed sod is late spring through early fall. For this reason, watering deeply two times a week with a total of 2.3 inches of water is the best amount for a fuller and nice-looking yard. Do not plant Bermuda seed in the early spring or fall. If these areas are a light-brown or straw-colored, they need more water. This combination is also known to be most beneficial for cool season turf, so depending on your variety of Bermuda, this fertilizer may be more or less beneficial. More weeds. Its crucial that the sprinkler heads in each zone are checked to ensure that the entire lawn is getting covered. If this is present, apply a systemic fungicide likeHeritage G. Apply the last bottle in yourLawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Maintain. It features a 16-4-8 NPK ratio which is a bit more nitrogen than recommended by most experts. Also, be sure to carefully read the fertilizer label to learn whether you should water the lawn before or after applying the product. How Do I Fix Bare or Brown Spots in My Lawn? Your email address will not be published. The important thing here is that you DONT want to use a fertilizer thats heavy with nitrogen. The stems weave together and will help your lawn resist weeds. Its a common misconception, especially among those who are new to lawn care. In the fall, grass roots are going down into the soil and need fertilizer to stay healthy. But when, how, and at what time you fertilize your lawn requires some careful consideration. After your grass starts to grow, you can swap the starter fertilizer with regular fertilizer and apply a second dose roughly four to six weeks later or when the grass is 1 to 1 inches tall. Also, you can have your lawn soils phosphorus levels tested before sod installation, as you dont want to apply a phosphorus-laden starter fertilizer on soil thats already rich in the same nutrient. When we are talking about a daily basis, morning is the ideal time to water new sod. Some homeowners are also looking for advice on choosing an eco-friendly fertilizer for your lawn. So, the N-P-K ratio youll be looking should be even like a 15-15-15 or an 8-8-8. When fertilizing new sod on your lawn, consider the following: For newly-installed St. Augustine sod, fertilization isnt usually necessary until about four weeks post-installation. Look up our exact fertilizer recommendations per grass in our Lawn Maintenance Guides. Sod Solutions works with private breeders and university researchers across the globe to find and bring to market the best grasses with the best genetics on the planet. Fertilizing in the morning allows the soil to take in the most nutrients, soak in the morning dew and take advantage of cooler temperatures.