How long does sod take to take root? and....abt new sod?

Question

How long before I can ignore it and have my auto sprinkler system take care of it.

When I water sod everyday, is it necessary to lift it up and water the ground below it? Suppose I am watering 10 sq feet with a hose, how long should I water the area?

Can I use Scotts starter for the soil below as fertilizer and Scotts Enriched lawn soil as the soil below? Any experience with these products? They work? Any substitutes?

Any tips when I go to buy sod? Does Home Depot sell it anymore?

Answer 1

OK... stop!!! you are over working!! have you gotten your soil ready?? (add some good soil.. ) then lay sod.. water with sprinkler system... done!! if you have prepped you soil, there is no need to do anything but water.. do not lift the sod up to water.. just make sure you are giving the sod enough water until the rain takes over.. it is suggested 2 mowing's before you put your new lawn through hard play.. It can be confusing if you read too many websites.. but you really don't need all the amendments.. just a good soil base.. and yes home depot still sell sod.. so does the bulk dirt , rock company's..(landscaping co) check around for the best price..

Answer 2

If you use Scotts soil you don't need a starter--it's in there. If you use Scotts Starter put down the sod 1st then put the starter on the sod. You can use any starter if you don't like Scotts.

The sod needs one inch of water a week. Break it up into every other day to keep a more even moisture level in the soil. Don't lift the sod to water. You can tug on it occasionally to see if the roots are penetrating into the native soil.

Considering the soil--break up the top 3-4" so it's loose and the sod roots can penetrate easier.

1" water--fert on top. Do that until it "grabs hold" then you can start to treat it like a regular lawn.

PS Don't but any other fert down after the starter for at least 7 weeks (if you're in a northern climate and going into winter, don't fert again until spring).

Answer 3

You can use Scotts Revive Soil Conditioner if you can find it.
This is made from poultry by-products.
It stinks to high heaven and make sure you wash your hands aftering putting on lawn.
This is a very very low nitrogen product.
We use it on every lawn that we aeriate.

Keep sod moist, not wet.
Do not water at night.

Purchase sod from your local grass dealer, and I don't mean pothead!!!