Fertilizing New Sod: The First 60 Days
Feed new sod in two steps: work a starter fertilizer into the soil during prep, then wait until the sod has rooted before fertilizing on top. After that, fertilize about once a month during the first season to keep it healthy and green. Use a nitrogen-focused fertilizer and avoid strong mixes that can burn young grass.
Should you fertilize before or after laying sod?
Both, at different times. A starter fertilizer worked into the soil before the sod goes down feeds the new roots from below. That step is part of preparing for your new lawn. Once the sod is down, hold off on spreading more fertilizer on top until the roots have grown into the soil.
When is it safe to fertilize on top of new sod?
Wait until the sod passes the tug test, meaning it resists when you gently lift a handful of grass. For most lawns that is a few weeks after installation. Fertilizing before roots take hold mostly feeds the blades, not the roots, and can stress grass that is already working hard to settle in.
How often should you fertilize in the first season?
Our watering tips after installation recommend fertilizing about once a month after installation to keep the lawn healthy and green. Water the lawn after each feeding so the fertilizer reaches the soil instead of sitting on the blades. Once the lawn is established, our healthy lawn guide covers longer-term feeding, including late fall, when cool weather promotes root growth.
What kind of fertilizer should you use?
- Nitrogen first: nitrogen matters most for a lawn and should be the highest of the three numbers. A 3:1:2 ratio is ideal.
- Not too strong: avoid fertilizers with any number higher than 10, since they can burn grass.
- A mix of release speeds: about 30 to 50 percent slow-release and 50 to 70 percent fast-release feeds the lawn now and over time.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not fertilize to fix brown or yellow spots, since those are almost always a watering problem. Do not spread fertilizer on a hot afternoon or on dry grass. And do not double up on a missed month. If you are starting a new lawn, CalTurf grows a 90 percent fescue and 10 percent bluegrass blend, matured a full year and cut fresh to order in Davis. Request a quote or call (530) 364-5155.
Common questions
Can I use weed and feed on new sod?
Wait. Weed control products can harm young grass, so hold off until the lawn is well established and always follow the product label.
Do I need to fertilize new sod in winter?
Growth slows in cold weather, so the lawn needs less. Late fall feeding helps roots, but heavy feeding in the coldest months is mostly wasted.
Should I water after fertilizing new sod?
Yes. Watering after you fertilize moves the fertilizer into the soil and keeps it from burning the grass blades.
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