Sod installation can be the difference between having the most beautiful lawn on the block and being the property that no one stops by on Halloween night–you know what we mean? That said, like any other landscaping aspect, sod needs proper maintenance, especially when first installed. Sometimes, issues like sod not taking root, discoloration, or weed invasion sneak up on you. In this post, we’ll explain troubleshooting tips to keep your sod installation healthy and vibrant. Sod Installation Not Taking Root There are several reasons why your sod might not be taking root, and much of it has to do with the installation itself. It’s crucial to prepare your soil before installing sod, which can be done by clearing debris, removing existing grass, loosening the soil, and grading the area. It must also be installed correctly; any gapping or overlapping can cause bumps, weed growth, or simply discourage roots from establishing. That’s why it’s important to hire a professional. Another reason sod may not be taking root is improper watering. Proper watering is essential with sod installation, especially for the first two weeks after installation. Underwatering will discourage any growth and kill your sod, but overwatering can prevent roots from reaching down into the soil. Ultimately, you want to water twice daily, in the morning and the afternoon, to encourage shallow rooting for the first two weeks. Additionally, fertilizer can help sod take root, but it’s important to do that properly as well. Fertilizer can be applied the day of installation and then again six weeks later to promote healthy root growth. However, remember that it is important not to overfertilize and to wait until the ground temperature is at least fifty degrees Fahrenheit before fertilizing in the spring. Discoloration of Sod Installation If your sod is browning or yellowing, there could be many reasons for this, and most of them will be related to what you read in the section above. Watering We’ve established that the first two weeks post-installation require lots of water, but after the first month or so, sod installation only needs watering once or twice per week. Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow or grayish-green. A good indicator that you’re overwatering is if the soil is wet and mushy when you pull up a corner of the sod. Drought On the other hand, a drought can also cause discoloration. Sod installation that doesn’t receive enough water can turn a bluish-gray color and grow some brown spots. It may also appear dull, thin, and weak. Compacted Soil When soil is compacted, water and nutrients can’t reach the roots to help them grow–this is the main reason professionals loosen the soil before laying sod. Compacted soil causes grass roots to grow shallow and malformed. Over time, this can lead to discoloration, disease, thinning, and death. Aeration services are an easy way to ensure your soil is ready for sod. Overfertilization While fertilization can be a great growth booster, it can also lead to discoloration if done too much. Too much fertilizer can burn your lawn, damage the grass roots, and cause discoloration like dark patches and dead spots. Pests or Disease Insets can cause yellow or brown patches, and diseases like Fusarium blight, for example, can cause strange color patterns, like circular patches that start green in the center. Overall, the most likely culprit of discolored sod installation is a lack of water. However, it’s important to be aware of everything that could affect your lawn to ensure optimal health and performance. Weed Invasion of Sod Installation Weeds are sly and evil beings that should be slain upon discovery, but there are also some things you can do to prevent them from growing in the first place. If you find that your sod is overrun with weeds, it’s likely due to one of these factors: improper mowing, underwatering, soil compaction, disease or pest problems, or laying sod over weeds. Improper Mowing Overall, if you’re mowing improperly, this will stress your grass out and make it more susceptible to weeds. Mowing weeds before they set seed prevents their growth, but it can also spread the seed beyond its current infestation location, simply spreading the weeds across your yard. Mowing your grass too low can stress it, making it slower and weaker to recover, allowing weeds to take over. Overmowing can lead to thatch buildup, which can also lead to weed growth. Dull mower blades can lead to unclean cuts, another grass stressor that is susceptible to weed growth. To remedy all of these issues, it’s crucial to prepare your soil for sod installation by removing any existing weed growth and ensuring that your mower is properly maintained before maintenance. Monitor your sod before mowing or treating it–maintaining sod installations are not a one size fits all strategy. Every yard grows differently, so you want to ensure you perform the proper maintenance at the proper time. Underwatering Even when you’ve taken the proper precautions and treated your soil before laying sod, underwatering your grass can stress it out and cause weeds to come back. If your sod is not stressed, it will be easier for it to withstand weed growth and other pressures. Soil Compaction Certain weeds have adapted to grow in compacted soil–but sod has not. It is crucial to ensure that your soil is loose before installing sod to ensure that the only roots encouraged to establish are your grass’. Weeds will take over if given a sliver of a chance. Pest & Disease Pest and disease are two more stressors that make your grass susceptible to weed growth. If it is already thin and struggling due to other factors, weeds will easily be able to invade. Ensure your soil has no pest or disease issues before laying sod, and take the proper maintenance precautions after installation to ensure it stays healthy. Laying Sod Over Weeds This tip is given: if you don’t remove weeds and your current turf before sod installation, both will creep back in. Your sod will be fighting with your current grass for root room, and both will be too stressed out to prevent weed growth. As previously established, overlapping gives weeds room to grow. Soil and yard preparation before sod installation is invaluable. Conclusion Overall, while sod installation may require some close attention for the first two weeks of its growth, it’s worth it to nurture a yard that blossoms so beautifully. It doesn’t require anything more than a typical plant; just ensure it’s properly watered, maintained, and protected. If you prepare correctly, you will be unlikely to have to troubleshoot any issues at all.