New Sod Lawn Care

How to care for new lawn sod. LINKS → www.howtowithdoc.com/new-sod-...
Doc walks you through how to care for new lawn sod and Bermuda sod the first year of care. The number rule of new sod care is to RELAX and not panic. As long as the grass is watered you should pretty much leave it alone the first year. It's the SECOND year that we can really implement the lawn care schedule.

[@andrewjvaughan]

do you have any recommendations for how to help sod when your builder just slapped sod down right on georgia clay? I wish I could have amended the soil before, but they wouldn’t let me, and I’m wondering how I can fix things now that the sod is down.

[@michellejepson3154]

Thanks Doc! Just got irrigation and tif tuf put in 3 weeks ago. It has rooted quickly. I needed to hear the “leave it alone!” Been outside pulling every weed that pops up. Appreciate you Doc!

[@davidgarcia-zd3mw]

I’m building a home right now, will be ready in Nov with new Bermuda sod. This video was helpful, leave it alone first growing season and cut at 1.5” 👍🏽

[@3875MIKEL]

Tif TUFF Bermuda sod rooted in 3 day had to cut in 7 days. humachar ,super juice and pgf complete. lawn is booming. thanks doc

[@glennemeroff4922]

Doc - Perfect timing. I have 8,400 square feet of Kentucky Blue (seed) going in on a renovation this weekend here up East (Connecticut)

[@collinsnider4024]

Dang it I wish I would have had this video when I moved into my new house in January. I let it grow for the most part but put down some weed stuff here and there and a fertilizer. I am going to follow your yearly guide come January 2021!

[@connorbnjgg67754]

This is great info, thanks Doc!

[@vinnypinatelli221]

Great video really helpful and enjoyable

[@mikeg9b]

I needed this info. Actually, I needed this info about 6 months ago. I didn't have new sod, but I had bare spots in my St. Augustine that need to fill in. I sprayed Blindside, Celsius, and Prodiamine on those spots and set them back a year. Oh well. Live and learn.

[@jerrywhite3095]

I had sod put down in mid June, kept it watered, and used PGF Complete only. My lawn looks gorgeous!

[@walkerblizzard]

Great content as usual

[@lou1784]

I am a new DIY Lawn Guy. Thanks for your time making videos and giving us great information. I live in Flowery Branch, GA which allows me to follow your schedule. When would you release the 2021 Bermuda lawn calendar?

[@blzt3206]

Love the honest disclaimer haha

[@4carrsthe]

Hi Doc - love the videos, thanks for doing this for all the rest of us DIY’ers. I put down Image to control outbreaks of Nutsedge in my new sod BEFORE seeing this video and unfortunately I have some damaged (brown) spots now. On bright side - the Nutsedge took a dirt nap though! Anything I can do to bring back that beautiful blue-green color of the Bermuda that suffered the wrath of Image?

[@suzrmx250]

Thanks doc that was verry helpfull

[@rbharper04]

Hey Doc, Thanks for the tips. I have a new sod lawn (Planted March 2020) and it is very thin in most of the lawn. I know it is partially due to shade issues that i plan to fix before next growing season. What else helps makes bermuda more thick and fill in the patchy areas?

[@donbattista894]

Great subject! In HOT central Texas and This is right where I am right now. Killing old builder grade and wild grass mixture, aerating right now and putting down CarbonX and grubX and fert to get ready for March and laying the new Tiff419! MY question is can the pre-emergent go in the soil while treating the soil to get it ready? IF so what is the led time to make sure I don't mess up my new sod?

[@timothywolfe6428]

Thanks Doc. Ok I will leave it alone lol. Grass is way to high can i bring it down or just wait until next spring then scalp. Been putting pgf complete down since July. Thanks for th advise you give us.

[@sunaiye3512]

Hey Doc, I live in Alpharetta,GA and had my Bermuda lawn laid on 28-Jun-2021. The landscaping company told me not to mow until gaps between the SODs are closed. That took almost 3 weeks but then grass was over 4 inch tall. Started cutting it down 1/2 inch every week or so but lawn turned more brown with every cut. Out of panic I applied Milorganite 10 days back but that made it worst. Then I came across your site and read this article. At present grass is 2.5 inch tall and 60% brown. Can I apply "PGF complete+humichar" to promote new growth and see it turning Green? Will PGF complete be too much on top of Milorganite?

[@willg74]

I'm starting to see a lot of nutsedge and spurge in my new sod...should I leave it alone or apply some type of pre/post-emergent that will specifically kill nutsedge and spurge?

[@stephaniemoreno4145]

Thank you! Great video!

[@scottalvey1787]

Doc, in the spring i plan to get rid of my current grass (ST Aug) and go with Bermuda. The ST Aug wasn’t doing for me and the grass was here before i moved in this house. Besides, i have a reel mower 26” and that’s really the direction i want to go. I plan to use a sod cutter to remove the grass. I’d like some recommendations on Bermuda (419, TifTuf Bermuda, Zeon Zyosia?). My last house i had sod brought in (419 Bermuda). I live in south eastern Virginia. Thanks for your help.

[@SERVISONE]

Doc I live in Southern California and we are moving into fall soon! I want to do a few over seeding lawn renovations and probably the most common used sod/seed is marathon(fescue)! I plan on spraying Tenacity to kill weeds first. Mow very low then aerate the lawn. Would the third step be good to thrown down some HumiChar/Fertilizer with my seed? I am only intending to do a basic renovation and nothing to in depth! A basic three step process if you will but I am very interested in these products as I have been planning on using humic acid products for a while. Any info is greatly appreciated, thanks!

[@Pondandgardensanctuary]

I got cool season grass and just over seeded a section of my lawn Four weeks a go in August. I would be safe putting preemergent down now or the in spring or not? I live New York I'm starting to see Lots of weeds. I was pulling them out but also pulling out grass.Can put the down preemergent were I did not seed how.

[@dcobb881]

What instructions, if any, for a new build that laid down dorment sod in November? What do you do between now and growing season if roots don't grab the soil?

[@chamel3on]

Hey Doc, our bermuda lawn is about 8 weeks old now at our new house. I've got some leftover Humic DG, Milo and Super Juice left over from our old house. Would you recommend any of those at this point?

[@gioflores11]

Doc I have a question I just laid some HumiChar and some Pre-Emergent down now I have a couple of yellow spot on my yard what can this be? My water schedule is Monday , Wednesday, & Friday.

[@Rgrams00]

Doc, I have a lot of common in my yard. I have also laid about four pallets of sod. I'm wanting to sod the whole yard but don't really want to till up the whole yard. I have killed all of the weeds. And was going to scalp and lay the new sod on top of that. Would it be better to till up everything? Or go forward with my plan of laying it on top of my common.

[@dannyzumwalt]

New TifTuf Bermuda sod laid in early August in Texas. Some old coastal Bermuda is growing in it that wasn’t properly killed ahead of the sod. How do I keep the coastal / common Bermuda out of my TifTuf Bermuda?

[@3jsdrivingschool325]

Hey Doc, I watched a video you made and I went and got some Arden 15 to redo my yard. I also put in a Mini Verde/ Calcutta green. How will the Arden and Calcutta co-exist?

[@jasonboyd3619]

Love these videos! Can I use 16-4-8 liquid spray fertilizer on new Sod? Thanks

[@johnny83746]

Doc, I am planting Bermuda tomorrow in my back yard. I live near Charlotte so it’s red clay. I killed all my grass over 2 weeks ago. Scalped and dethatched. Put down 10-10-10 and some lime. Put down a thin layer of top soil (not sand, the lady at the supply store argued with me about Bermuda liking sand, but I said it needed organic material 😁). Going to rake it in tomorrow and water. Can I put down pgf complete in a month? Should I avoid that and put down the balance? Also can I over seed my new seed with rye this winter?

[@MiguelGuerrero-ud3bo]

I wasn’t able to add humichar when they tilled the soil before sod since it didn’t arrive. Can I put it on top after the sod is laid or should I just wait?

[@KaffeinatedENT]

Great video Doc. How do you deal with uneven new sod? We had it rolled but it still is bumpy in spots. Going on 4 months since installation. Can we level this early?

[@andyavila8447]

My gardener just put new sod and didn’t put any soil under the sod. Can I add PGF complete and humichar on top of the sod? Thank you.

[@mikebunn3441]

Doc, any differences with following the Bermuda lawn guide for care of zoysia grass?

[@booohoo1]

Is early fall a good time to lay new sod in Texas ? I just want to make sure it has enough time to grow the root system before it goes dormant

[@dotdot7020]

Does this change for Fescue grass? I just had about 1000sqf installed in my backyard. I’ve never maintained a lawn before, so your video has been very helpful. I’m located in California

[@aaronclaeys5436]

Now how about brand new sod in November because of a new build and in Iowa. How do I take care of that? Do I wait till next spring to do anything or should I pre treat for anything before they lay the sod?

[@joseleanos453]

Hey Doc...... I just put Down new sod in September. Can I fertilize lightly next spring or summer..? Also can I start Humichar now..?

[@jamiewilliams2049]

Hey doc I put down new celebration Bermuda sod about 11 days ago. I space each piece about 12 inches apart. It has taken root and it's growing upward but not spreading. Should I cut it? If so how high should I cut it considering they're spaces between each piece? I don't want to cut it uneven with my mower going up and down over each piece of sod. Also I have lots of weeds growing in the bare spaces between each piece of sod. Please be advise. Or if anybody out in the public can advise would be greatly appreciated!!

[@truthhurts7529]

How do you do a “hard kill off” ? I’m dealing with about an acre of land I tilled and spread Bermuda seed.. had change of heart, now about to lay st Augustine on top of the tilled dirt… but the other half of the land is weeds. Should I treat the tilled section like new and treat the weeded section with a hard kill off at the same time??

[@johnbatson2896]

So, if you messed up and allowed your new sod to go through it’s first growing season at 4”🤦‍♂️, what is the best way to cut it down to 1-2”. All at once or little at a time, help please!

[@dick8997]

So what if my fresh sod is under a big pine tree when fall sets in would it be wise to use limestone to keep the pH from going to shit or better to leave it be

[@davyannajones]

I got my sod installed in Aug of this year (2020). When should I start a program?

[@quickstepz9250]

Thank you telling me to have a chill pill Doc! I got all new seed to grow, and I over seeded to have some sexy green thick grass. But it is under some tress. And I'm starting to see weeds. I was pulling them out but also pulling out grass. Thought I was doing more damage then leaving it alone. Wish I could use what you use in my yard, but I'm in Australia. Dam shipping. Thanks Doc.

[@larryclausen8907]

Fantastic video ... the blind squirrel did it right. I tried to follow the guide and it worked on the new sod that I patched into bad areas in my yard. Thanks for covering the Double Kill , that was the only question I really had. When you say Fall ... is that end of September into October?

[@AmandaSantos-ec6rp]

Can we do any fertilizer after Bermuda so is laid down? We just didn't know to do it before. Its North Carolina red clay. Also, many areas in our yard are not level. Any tips to keep Bermuda sod happy when not level?,

[@salpaglia3343]

I have new fescue sod that has been doing well but it has yellow tips on the grass blades Do I apply any type of fertilizer I am in socal Thanks for the help

[@Kdog1219Vids]

I recently subscribed to your channel. And I have a question for you, I recently laid out sod and I’m starting to notice light areas that are turning yellow. I do live in Maryland in the area that I live in is clay type of soil. So far, I’ve been getting a lot of rain, which I don’t know is good or bad for the new sod? It’s only been a week and a half since the sod was laid out. What do u suggest I do? I did use lawn food for new sod. Please advise. Thanks!

[@sp3429]

Doc, since we are later in the season now, when would be the last chance to level a lawn? Also, this is my sods first growing season. The sod was installed in March of this year. Should I hold off on leveling?

[@mystarburst1]

I have new sod since March, I’m leveling today, gonna cut it short and level..50/50 mix of sand and soil

[@GD15555]

my landscaper just tilted the soil and laid sod. No soil test no humichar, no isntructions. is this how they usually do it?

[@mayaferry582]

Is it okay to put Green Shocker on new Bermuda sod that was installed in mid June 2022? My new lawn is looking like a lemon lime rainbow. Location: Alpharetta, GA. Thank you

[@patriciamanswell1644]

Can you put grub killer before laying new sod with or without a fertilizer??

[@tylerhander23]

If I just got a tree removed and I’m laying new sod should I lay down lime first?

[@thebeerdedone7568]

I laid down new sod a week or so ago (late July) and I figured preeminent in November prior to the first frost would be good. Is that too soon?

[@michaelg.7768]

Doc, unfortunately didn't see your videos until the day before my sod came. Can you put down Humichar on top of it? Im in Cobb County

[@johbarlow0105]

Doc - getting new sod installed in early September. How long should dogs stay off?

[@christinasharifi1854]

Hey doc can I put new sod down now? They r finishing my pool now. I live in Georgia thx!!

[@vela07]

Can I apply duocide on 5wk old bermuda sod? Month is May

[@chelder3]

Can you put organic Fertilizer, organic matter, 10 10 10, or 13 13 13 on new sod or seed?

[@michaelbishop3531]

Do you need to use lawn roller on new sod?

[@vela07]

Thanks for the info! I have a question. We just laid new bermuda sod yesterday. I watered it pretty good after we got it down and then it rained the next morning so right now the sod pieces are pretty muddy. I didn't water it today. It's supposed to get into the 80s this week. Should I let the sod dry out some before watering again?

[@bmacski]

Yes!! You want it moist, not soaked all the time. I would let it firm up before watering again. Not completely dry out, but give it a day or two

[@vela07]

@@bmacski thanks!

[@danielsebastiany]

Hey Doc! Same apply for Zoysia?

[@crytryagain8867]

Hey Doc we live in Duluth Ga so I’m super excited to have found you. I feel like I got no instruction for the sod we just had laid in July other than water it. I don’t know when to cut it or not to it’s getting really tall and there are some mushrooms. Do mushrooms mean there is fungus?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Cut it just like a regular lawn and mushrooms are fine. We all have them right now.

[@DORRO299]

Planning to lay new sod in the backyard tomorrow, forecast for rain the next 4 days. Should I proceed?

[@HowTowithDoc]

Might be a good idea to hold off .

[@srobins05]

Dang. I put sod down in end of March. Put pre emerge down in end of April. ....

[@dick8997]

I just did my front and back with sod that came from trumps golf course 😂. U look like a guy I would trust on sod pointers lol

[@kennethslaughenhaupt1681]

My sister and brother in law had turf type fescue sod installed in March. It started yellowing, and patches started dying. That turned into huge sections. I AM A GARDENER. The had it done by a pro he even tore up the sprinklers and re did it. I have done fungicide, pesticide, every side. No fertilizer yet. 6 months old. Again, don't have access to high end liscenced gardener chemicals. BIGGEST question is what happened. I'm reseeding it in 6 weeks, but what the hell happened. 80 percent of it is still thriving

[@bokneeza]

Is this for any type of sod?

[@brianluby8143]

Hey Doc, so I've got cool season grass and just overseeded a section of my lawn last weekend. I just wanted to be clear as to whether I would be safe putting preemergent down in the spring or not?

[@iamfitniss]

I’m so bummed that the duocide doesn’t ship to Cali! 😭

[@HyLighterjac]

Oh my goodness.... I'm feeling sick because LONG story, we made every mistake in the book.(didn't preparesoil, installers made a mess and it's lumpy -all 15 pallets! - I had a Turf care company treat it, etc...) and we spent thousands of dollars. Ours was installed over a month ago on top of raked GA soil. It seems well rooted and was green. It was over 3" before the first cut. Now after the second cut.(maybe 2.5 inches).. it's completely browing up. Have we killed it. We're watering 2x day worried it's water. Help! Have I lost my $8000+ investment?

[@jdjds1]

If there is goatheads all over your yard could you still lay sod

[@edwardmiller6073]

Doc can you put down Governor G ? for root growth

[@doctajonz2828]

All good points brother, especially the golden rule…leave your sod the HELL alone! LOL!

[@KellerBi3r]

I watched this video twice over. Great content! Question, should I do a soil test before or after I till and add top soil??

[@chuckpalmer3926]

Again #1

[@jcarey65]

What about liquid aeration?

[@HowTowithDoc]

No... not really effective

[@Rapster-Elizabeth-Anastasie]

Are worms dangerous for Bermuda grass .

[@lilynmike26]

8:05 that's what she said

[@broncoteno7181]

“Go watch Netflix, we got sod to lay“

[@joegossett1367]

Leave it ALONE! Got it

[@tillmanwalters1219]

What in the hell are you doing on the yard that you killed. Are you watering, are you reseeding , are you doing pgf complete, Humichar? What?

[@JM-yx1lm]

You never said how high new grass seed should be cut. Only how high new sod should be cut.

[@HowTowithDoc]

I did... maintain at 1 - 1.5 max should be 2"

[@randomnav]

Don't lecture me. Just tell me how to take care of new sod.