Helpful Hints for Grass Care

This page is being updated with more detailed explanations for lawn care. Watch for new links soon! -C.H.

Preparation

• Start by killing all weeds that you don't want growing through the sod.
  
• Till and level the soil to you're specifications.
  
• We recommend tilling Z-Olite into the top 4" of soil before your sod arrives. This reduces watering requirements up to 35%..
  
• Broadcast some fertilizer on the dirt you're going to lay the sod on. A 15-15-15 works well.
  

Installation

• Lay the sod in rows, offset by half a strip. (like brick).
  
• Use a box knife for cutting the sod. They last the longest and are easy and safe to use.
  
• Water as you go on hot days to keep the sod green and healthy.
  

Care

• After you have finished laying the sod keep it wet for around 10 days. This keeps the grass green and allows the small 'spider' roots to get into your soil..
  
• Mow after 7-10 days and you will have an established lawn!.
  

  Water Tips and Training

  • Start Training the grass to not need a lot of water by watering a total of 60 minutes in a week. That can be split into 2 or 3 waterings weekly. This develops a deep root system that is not as prone to dry shock when the water gets turned off. The water that does go through the soil is accessible longer by the deeply developed roots.
  • USU Extension Services have an alternate recommendation, for those with automatic watering systems. That is set your watering system to water for 10 minutes on, 1/2 hour off, 10 minutes on, 1/2 hour off, 10 minutes on. Do this once a week and you will get tremendous root depth. This watering system trains the roots to go deep for water, and utilizes all water that gets applied.
• Gem Valley Turf also sells Z-Olite, a product that holds moisture in the soil so that you don't need to water as often or as much. Z-Olite can be purchased separately or with (recommended) your sod purchase. This is a one time application.

Download Installation and Water tip files: