Measure the square footage of the new grass youre trying to grow in order to determine how much fertilizer you need to purchase. You can read more about overall care after installation inHow to Care for New Sod. One application will feed new sod for 8 - 12 weeks. New turf needs a lot of water to maintain and increase root establishment. and can accelerate germination and root growth. During the first few weeks, particularly the first two weeks, chemicals and your sod won't mix. The next time you should fertilize your new sod is about six weeks after you have laid it down. best time to feed new sod with fertilizer, Can You Put Too Much Lime on Lawn? High in nitrogen. Lawn Disease Control If you have a small area to cover, I would highly recommend foliar application since its environment-friendly. 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. After doing this, proceed to fill in the middle. This will help speed up new growth to replace the nitrogen-burnt grass. Basically, all kinds of bad things that you dont want. 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. It will look like rotted pieces. The best time to fertilize grass is when the ground warms up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. To read more, visitWhen to Mow Newly Installed Sod. Continue to fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season, stopping when the grass naturally slows its growth in early fall. 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. This is why homeowners must carefully consider when to fertilize their new turfs. Bermuda grass lawn needs 1.5 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet. Bermuda grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, tackifier, and a protectant are all included. Key Features: For Northern lawns. What differentiates this lawn food from others is the high nitrogen content that ensures deep green Bermuda grass. But in case you notice that your grass is dying, turning brown, or growing in patches, then you may want to add more fertilizer. For example, in areas with soil that tends to be alkaline, lime may need to be added to balance the pH level (which affects how well the grass absorbs nutrients). While it does not contain iron, due to the fulvic and humic acids, this is not a significant problem. It also states the key features of the fertilizer. Lawn Starter Fertilizer vs. . At this time, you can use a fertilizer . All in one place, When Should I Fertilize My Lawn? Generally, liquid fertilizers can sit on the barley for about a day. That's the best time. Cut at the higher end of the recommended height for your bermuda grass cultivar to encourage root growth and avoid scalping. Top 5 Weed and Feed For Bermuda Grass Review. 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. Aeration also helps water and nutrients penetrate the soil more easily. For more information about Lawnifi, be sure to check out our related Sod University articles,Why Use Lawnifi Fertilizer? For example, a fertilizer product label may read 8-0-24, otherwise known as an N-P-K ratio. As previously mentioned, fertilizers that include more phosphorus content are your best option. So last year you decided to do something about it. How To Use: Using a hand or broadcast spreader, evenly distribute granules across the entire lawn. When this happens, it is known as fertilizer burn and looks like yellow and brown strips or patches of dead grass. Pull up a corner of a few pieces. Finally, if growth suddenly stunts post-fertilization, it indicates over-fertilization. If the soil pH is lower than 4.5, use a fertilizer that contains sulfur. High phosphorus content for strong roots. After the grass has been mowed, it is important to fertilize it. Why fertilize in the fall? If thats a surprising number, you might have confused fertilizer with plant food. Most lawns do not need to undergo fertilization more than 2 times a year. . Apply fertilizers in early spring and late summer or fall when grass is actively growing. For best results, apply the fertilizer right beforeor immediately afterthe sod is installed. Mow often in the summer to encourage new stems to develop. Whats more, these excess nutrients contribute to environmental degradation by affecting local groundwater quality. Fall Fertilization Why fertilize in the fall? It will also encourage deeper root growth, which is important for drought tolerance. Fast-release fertilizers are the ones that expose your garden to the risk of harm. Bermuda grass should be planted when soil temperatures are consistently warmer; this happens when both daytime and nighttime temperatures are between 70 and 95 degrees. Basics About New Sod The lawn is supposed to be kept perpetually wet and walking may leave behind depressions besides damaging the still-sensitive grass. If the soil is compacted to a depth of over 2.5 inches, work it loose and deeply. Depending on the season you install your grass, you may be transitioning to the beginning of spring with theSpring Fertilizer Box. For starters, morning hours contain little to no wind, which benefits both the soil and grass. Be sure to use a lawn fertilizer that has a high nitrogen content in order to promote growth. Be sure to follow the directions on the label. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer package in order to. This can breathe a lot of extra life into your Bermuda lawn and result in a better green-up the following spring. Using slow-release nitrogen will benefit your lawn without spurring uncontrolled growth that can force you to have to mow more frequently. If the ground has compacted again, perform a second aeration in October. However, new sod needs regular irrigation and fertilization in order to help it establish itself properly. But it will be soon damaged by the freezing temperatures, and you will end up with no grass in the coming spring. These two steps will help make it easier for the fertilizer to reach the soil and penetrate to the roots of your garden grass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Lawnifi 9 Bottle Annual Fertilizer Program. Then water in the fertilizer. You should hold off subsequent fertilization until about a month or two after the Bermuda grass seeds germinate. Why not give it nutrients that will help it successfully establish? Use half of the first bottle of liquid fertilizer in the Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Grow, on your already installed sod. When you mow, be sure to set your mower to the highest setting so that you are only removing the tops of the leaf blades. Mow at the highest setting and only cut off the very tops of the leaf blades. They possess several fast-reacting chemicals and high concentration salts. Check out the schedule below: This step takes place on the day of installation. Good quality of soil is considered an important feature that results in thick lawns and rich growth. Apply between 2 and 4 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet annually, during the growing season. Water once per day for 1520 minutes. From fertilizer to disease control, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to ensure you have the best looking lawn on the block. Can be used when overseeding a Bermuda grass lawn. In terms of year seasons, the best time for fertilizing newly-installed sod is late spring through early fall. 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. After regular watering, adequate fertilizer is the next most important thing in Bermuda grass care. Regular fertilizer contains a mix of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus at a 1-2-1 ratio. Quality bermuda sod laid during the active growing season that has received proper care and nutrition should be able to be mowed between 13-15 days after being laid. Nitrogen and iron are still included as nutrients in the New Lawn Starter Box, but they are located in the last bottle of the box, Maintain. ft. and it easily hooks up to the end of your garden hose for easy application. In order to grow and develop in the beginning, it is vital that they receive the nutrients they need from their mothers milk or baby formula. Once you've ensured your sod has the proper sunlight and water, the rest is routine maintenance. Also, most often your fertilizer package will indicate the lawn fertilizer ratio you need to apply. This is the most important application of fertilizer for the whole year since it will protect your lawn as it goes dormant over winter. It takes 2 weeks or less for the granules to dissolve in the soil and start acting. For every 1,000 square feet of lawn, you need to buy 10 pounds of lawn fertilizer. Besides fertilizing and watering new sod, you must avoid stepping on the lawn in the period that it grows roots. Specifically, the grass should start to turn green and require mowing at least twice before its time to fertilize for the spring. By cutting the grass twice per week with a height of approximately 0.8 inches, you will boost your lawn spread laterally, resulting in a fuller pasture. What Happens If You Dont Water After Fertilizing? Avoid these problems by letting ABC Home & Commercial Services do the hard work for you. Texas A&M even allows you to send in soil samples and get results back! 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. Quick answer It's recommended that you fertilize your Bermuda lawn come late June to early July, and again in the middle of August in North Carolina. Make sure its actually grass that needs mowing, tooweeds may need to be cut well before this, but they dont count. 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). This nourishment can also be derived from fallen leaves, grass clippings and the like. With a deeply-rooted turf, your lawn will likely maintain its lush appearance for a long time. This is incredibly important, because when fertilizer goes too deep, it can burn the roots of your grass. Kills seen and unseen weeds. You can choose the fertilization technique of your choice because this lawn food can be applied via the soil or foliar application. When to use it. Quality bermuda sod laid during the active growing season that has received proper care and nutrition should be able to be mowed between 1315 days after being laid. How can you stop this from happening again and get your lawn back to the healthy, vibrant green you remember? Lawn Disease Control and how to grow a healthy lawn. Seed in midspring to midsummer. The most cost-effective way to plant a bermuda grass lawn is from seed. In the first two weeks, the sod should remain moist and damp throughout the day. 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. Apply about inch of water each time. How to Detect and Treat Fungus in Newly Laid Sod, Generalized Bermuda Grass Mowing Height: 0.51.5 inches, Celebration Bermudagrass Mowing Height: 0.51.5 inches, Latitude 36 Bermudagrass Mowing Height: 0.51.5 inches, NorthBridge Bermudagrass Mowing Height: 0.51.5 inches. This step takes place on the day of installation. Obviously, this can vary quite a bit by region, so another way to tell when you begin is to pay attention to your lawn. Dont mow the lawn 3 days before or after applying the fertilizer. Many homeowners discover that their lawns already contain enough phosphorous and potassium and opt for nitrogen-only fertilizer. If you need to protect the area from erosion, use a weed-free mulch and cover less than 50 percent of the ground. In fall, greenery begins to slow down its growth in preparation for the winter months. Note: If youve laid sod in the winter, you shouldnt start on these steps until it comes out of dormancy. For the first two weeks, water each day (unless it rains) for about 5 minutes per area. Fertilizing in winter will break the dormancy and force the Bermuda grass to grow. Begin transitioning to 1-inch of water per week total. Be sure to look for signs of lawn disease such as irregular circular patterns of disease or fungus, which can result from overwatering. Using weed control is an important part of any lawn maintenance plan. Besides, it is not recommended to fertilize in direct hot sunlight since it can burn the pasture. But do not feed the Bermuda grass with just any fertilizer. Well, lets talk about what lawns need in order to grow and stay healthy and green. Amend the existing soil, and either reseed or lay new sod. Some homeowners are also looking for advice on choosing an eco-friendly fertilizer for your lawn. They use regular fertilizer instead of starter fertilizer. This will help the grass seed get off to a good start. Granulated fertilizers need moisture to break down after application, while other fertilizers require you to soak the lawn beforehand. If you start mowing and pieces of your new lawn start coming up, you either have your mower set too low, or your sod has not put down sufficient roots. Fertilize your Bermuda sod 34 weeks after installation. If this is the case, re-test your lawn in the fall . Choose the best time of year to start a new lawn from seed. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, you should fertilize your lawn about every six weeks. The document includes a month-by-month lawn care calendar indexed to in-depth explanations of each topic within the document. The fall is a great time to spread fertilizer and let the nutrients slowly do their work while your grass goes dormant. You should eliminate feeding your turf in heavy rainfall, leading to compost release into water systems. After your initial fertilizer application, you should wait at least six weeks before applying more. During each watering session, be sure to water for a long enough time to allow it to seep deep into the soil to be available to the root zone. This will help to evenly distribute the fertilizer over the entire area. We only include brands we use and trust. 4. Centipede. There are a number of reasons. Water twice/wk for 10-20 minutes. Have you recently installed new sod on your backyard lawn and are looking for ways to boost its growth and overall health? Fertilizer can provide the additional nutrients your yard needs to prevent these problems and keep your grass healthy and looking good. Overwatering for an extended period of time, however, will severely damage the sod, inducing disease and rotting roots. An appropriate amount of carbon will help with the overall health of your soil, which creates a successful environment for your grass to grow in. Nitrogen and iron are responsible for keeping your grass green, which can be usefulbut your newly installed lawn needs more than just nitrogen and iron right now. The formula for slow release is perfect, as it ensures that you only have to apply the drug once every two months. We do not specifically market to children under 13. Would you feed a newborn baby a slice of pizza? You can tell which nutrients your fertilizer has by reading the three hyphenated numbers on the product l. abel. For the final summer feeding, consider . When to Fertilize New Grass It is important to make sure that your soil has the appropriate nutrients for new grass seed prior to dispersing the seed itself. Use half of the first bottle of liquid fertilizer in the Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box,Grow, on your already installed bermuda sod. To help the fertilizers work their best, we recommend aerating your sods once every six months but only start after 6-12 months of laying them. Whether youre looking to overseed, patch up bare spots or start a new lawn, our varieties of warm and cool season grass seed will ensure your landscape project is completed properly. Conducting efficient and effective lawn fertilizing 2 times a year proves to be enough. Now, you should have a greener lawn than youve ever had before. This method also avoids the potential for burn on new sod and the delicate roots of sprouting seed. In the fall, grass roots are going down into the soil and need fertilizer to stay healthy. Add fertilizer and nutrients as needed. These components will quickly release and spread into your soil. Although not necessary, aerating your garden after fertilization can help too. According to Clemson University, Bermuda grass has a yearly maintenance program that contains mowing, thatch removal, aerification, weed, and insect control. In this blog article, Ive discussed whether fertilization of new sod is advisable, how long you should wait before feeding new sod, what are the best seasons for fertilization of newly-installed sod, and whether the use of starter fertilizer on new sod is advisable. 4.3 - 898 Reviews. This bottle of Maintain will provide your lawn with all the nutrition it will need for the next 30 days. The Bermuda field typically spreads fastest when the level of pH is between 5.8 and 7.0. Additionally, youll want to avoid fertilizing your St. Augustine grass from the start of fall until the warm season resumes the following spring. This fertilizer has an NPK ratio of 29-0-10 and additional 4% Sulfur that you can use to raise low soil pH. One benefit of fall fertilization is that it bolsters lawn density. Use grass plugs to test a grasss shade tolerance or to determine how well a certain grass type performs in your home landscape. If your grass goes dormant in the cooler months, it wont have much impact. Remove debris and rubbish from the area. Bermuda : 1 to 2 inches: 1 to 1 inch : Buffalograss : 3 to 4 inches: 2 to 3 inches . Does implementing a year-round fertilization schedule sound like a lot of work? This fertilizer box consists of a state-of-the-art liquid fertilizer specifically designed to help your lawn establish a sustainable root system. Use a Scotts spreader to apply Scotts Turf Builder Starter Food for New Grass according to package instructions. Being a warm-season turfgrass, the recommended fertilization season for Zoysia grass is from spring to early fall. You must also rake away any shed leaves and lawn waste. This will help the roots of the sod to absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer. Great for all lawns warm and cool season. 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. This is actually cheaper than purchasing each seasonal box individually. These vary by region, but in Texas, the absolute latest date for yearly fertilization should be November 1. Find the right grass for your location and needs with our Sod Selector tool. Select from our family of premium sod varieties and other top-quality turfgrass brands. And you dont need that amount if your yard is less than 4000 square feet. Unfortunately, fertilization isnt as simple as deciding to do it and picking up some fertilizer from your nearest home improvement store. After the first couple of weeks, however, take care of weeds with your chosen . So, after preparing your soil for seed or sod, the last step before planting is to fertilize the soil with a starter fertilizer. Applying fertilizer in the winter will increase the chance of polluting waterways by excessive run-off of the nutrients into nearby streams. For more information, readWhen to Water Newly Installed Sod. Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Anthills On My Lawn. Even without hot temperatures, applying chemical fertilizers . So, when do you add starter fertilizer to your new turf? Why? There is the idea of too much of a good thing, and that definitely applies when it comes to fertilizing your lawn! Additionally, it also contains the right amount of potassium and phosphorus. There are fertilizers available for specific grass types such as St Augustine or Bermuda however, the products below are suitable for all types of grass. Taking the right action steps in new sod care promises to pay long-term dividends. What kind of lawn do I have? Regular Fertilizer, How Ofter to Apply Starter Fertilizer on New Grass, Determine the Type and Amount of Fertilizer for your New Grass, When to Fertilize your Lawn after Seeding, Get Professional Help to Keep your Lawn Looking Great, impact of these types of soil on your lawn, choosing an eco-friendly fertilizer for your lawn. 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. 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. Also, the soil gains ample water absorption needed for the formation of new sod. But you would only need to use it three times in spring and summer. The New Lawn Starter Box from Lawnifi contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer. Looking to spur new turf growth by applying fertilizer but are worried about doing it too soon? Dont Miss: How Do I Fill In Bare Spots In My Lawn. Fertilization is important to a new bermuda grass lawn. Continue monitoring for dry spots. Most lawn care companies recommend that you apply lawn fertilizer in the spring, between February and April. Follow our post to get to know the best stage for enriching your new meadow! Zoysia: Fairly drought-tolerant. Liquid feeds also tend to keep the pH levels in your soil balanced. Our seasonal Homeowner Maintenance Guides compile all the care information for your specific grass type during the spring, summer and fall. Finally, spread more by criss-crossing across your lawn. The impact of these types of soil on your lawn? Innovative triple action. All grass needs nutrients to improve growth and health, but the needs of new sod and established grass are slightly different. Follow the directions for best results. On the other hand, do not mow the young turf when the length is less than 2 inches. Growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs? As much as you might want to encourage growth and hurry the process along as quickly as possible, its best to wait before re-fertilizing your new grass. 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. Maintain was formulated to enhance overall turfgrass growth and hardiness. Fertilize in spring and summer. It features a 16-4-8 NPK ratio which is a bit more nitrogen than recommended by most experts. 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. From our perspectives, read the instructions carefully first and then select the appropriate application based on the type of turf you have. Seasonal boxes differ as temperatures and soil conditions change throughout the yearyour lawn needs certain nutrients at different times. If you are not 100% sure of your fertilizer then it would be wise to opt for a slow-release fertilizer. This allows enough time for root anchorage, such that the root systems would be developed enough to absorb the nutrients. Apply fertilizer once between June and August, around six to eight weeks after the late spring feeding. During flowering and fruiting, tomato plants need more fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium. Too much water or fertilizer can lead to unhealthy brown spots on your lawn, especially if you don't pay attention to what you're doing. As stated above water twice a day for the first nine days after installationonce in the morning and then again in the evening. How To Make Bermuda Grass Lawns Grow Faster? At this time, the roots continue to anchor into the ground, and cutting may lead to long-term damage. Finally, if your soil test results note that your lawn soil is deficient in key nutrients like potash, applying a starter fertilizer might not solve this problem. As the grass grows, it uses more nutrients. PGF Complete is very mild and needs to . So, fertilizing Bermuda grass is a necessary stage in the grassland care routine to keep your meadow full and green. Copyright 2023 ABC Home & Commercial Services All Rights Reserved, TECL 23492 | TACLA45890C | LI2669 | M-32147 | TICL587. Dont Miss: How To Get Rid Of Clovers In Your Grass. As soon as youve laid the last piece of sod on your lawn, the work has just begun. If your lawn reaches at least 50 percent green, it is best to use a slow-release fertilizer. As long as the temperatures are above 65F . 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. This is one of the most important things to remember: starter fertilizer should only be used before a new lawn is installed. Sold in 18 and 40 lb bags. 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. Whats even cooler is that all Lawnifi fertilizer products are powered by Catalyst TechnologyTM, which nano-sizes the nutrients so that the grass blades and roots dont have to spend a lot of time breaking the nutrients down in the soil in order to absorb them. In fall, apply a third round. You can use lawn fertilizer for this application. Fertilizing too soon is unnecessary and wasteful since the sod can't access it. Once youre done, level out the soil and you can install your new sod. Select a starter fertilizer for your new Bermuda grassone that has a higher phosphorous content than balanced fertilizers such as a 18-24-6 or 9-12-3 component distribution. This will help to evenly distribute the fertilizer over the entire area. Scotts Turf Builder Triple Action - Best Weed Killer For Bermuda Grass. Your new sod will have to grow roots to connect with . 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. In this post, well discuss when to fertilize new turf, the difference between lawn starter fertilizer and regular fertilizer, how often to apply starter fertilizer and the answer to the question: When should I fertilize my lawn after seeding? package can easily feed 7200 sq ft. For fast results, the application should be repeated every 4 to 6 weeks. In addition, applying fertilizer in the fall helps to protect against winter weeds. The grass will thrive between May and September. This will give the sod a boost of nutrients that it needs in order to get started. In midsummer, Bermuda grass could use another application of fertilizer. Table of Contents show Fresh white roots should be beginning to stick out. Do not worry! Thinking about installing new sod? Congratulations on your newly sodded bermuda grass lawn! Adding starter fertilizer to the soil and tilling it in beforehand releases the nutrients, making them immediately accessible to the seed or sod. Wait until the weather cools back down to a normal temperature. You will end up wasting most of the fertilizer because, in dormancy, the grass cannot absorb the nutrients. In terms of season, you should avoid feeding your turf in early spring because this is the time the grass focuses on developing the root. Lightly rake the seed into the soil surface, then firm the soil with a tamper, roller, or garden tractor tires. Applying fertilizers at thewrong time or too early can burn the Bermuda grass. Heres how to do it: 1. For new lawns, the fertilizer of choice should be similar to a 6-20-20 analysis (6% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus, 20% potassium) or a 15-15-15 (15% nitrogen, 15% phosphorus, 15% potassium). Starting on day 10, you can now reduce watering to once per day. All plants including grass, trees, ornamentals or even crops need nutrients for growth and overall health. Although new sod and established sod are both grass, their needs differ. Why not give it nutrients that will help it successfully establish? Newly laid sod is stressed out after being harvested, transported and installed in its new environment.