Lawn Maintenance Guide
Keep your lawn looking its best with these expert care tips from our team at Tri-Turf Sod Farms.
Watering
New Sod (First 2 Weeks)
- Water thoroughly immediately after installation until the soil beneath is moist.
- For the first 7-10 days, water 2-3 times daily to keep the sod and soil consistently moist.
- Gradually reduce watering frequency as roots establish. You should not be able to easily lift a corner of the sod after 10-14 days.
Established Lawns
- Water deeply and infrequently -- about 1 inch per week, including rainfall.
- Water early in the morning (before 10 AM) to minimize evaporation and disease risk.
- Look for signs of drought stress: bluish-gray color, footprints remaining visible, or curling leaf blades.
- During extreme heat, increase watering to 1.5 inches per week.
Mowing
Proper mowing is one of the most important things you can do for your lawn. Follow these guidelines:
Bermuda Grass
Mow at 1 to 2 inches. Mow frequently during the growing season, removing no more than 1/3 of the blade height at a time.
Zoysia Grass
Mow at 1 to 2.5 inches. Zoysia grows more slowly, so you can mow less frequently than Bermuda.
Tall Fescue
Mow at 3 to 4 inches. Keep fescue taller to encourage deeper roots and shade out weeds.
- Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts that reduce disease risk.
- Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing.
- Leave clippings on the lawn when possible -- they return nutrients to the soil.
- Alternate your mowing pattern each time to prevent soil compaction and ruts.
Fertilizing
A proper fertilization schedule keeps your lawn thick, green, and resistant to weeds and disease. The timing depends on your grass type.
Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda & Zoysia)
Apply fertilizer from late spring through early fall (April through September). Use a balanced fertilizer 3-4 times during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter dormancy.
Cool-Season Grasses (Tall Fescue)
Fertilize primarily in fall (September through November) and lightly in early spring. Avoid heavy fertilization during summer heat stress.
- A soil test is the best way to determine exactly what nutrients your lawn needs.
- Water the lawn after fertilizing to help nutrients reach the root zone.
- Avoid fertilizing during drought conditions or extreme heat.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
- Begin mowing as grass starts growing
- Apply pre-emergent weed control
- Start regular watering schedule
- First fertilizer application for warm-season grasses
- Aerate compacted areas if needed
Summer
- Increase watering during heat waves
- Raise mowing height slightly to reduce stress
- Monitor for pest and disease issues
- Continue fertilizer schedule for warm-season grasses
- Spot-treat weeds as needed
Fall
- Best time to install new sod
- Primary fertilizer season for fescue
- Overseed fescue lawns if thin
- Core aerate to relieve compaction
- Gradually reduce watering as temperatures cool
Winter
- Warm-season grasses go dormant -- this is normal
- Avoid heavy foot traffic on dormant lawns
- Keep leaves and debris cleared
- Service and sharpen mower blades
- Plan spring projects and order sod early
Need Help With Your Lawn?
Whether you need new sod or advice on caring for your existing lawn, our team is here to help.