Congratulations on your beautiful new lawn! Now that you’ve completed the installation of your sod, you may be wondering when and how to fertilize it for optimal growth. In this article, we will provide you with a fertilizer application schedule to help your new sod establish and thrive.
When to Fertilize New Sod
Many experts suggest waiting approximately 30 days after installation before applying fertilizer to new sod. However, we believe in providing your new lawn with the nutrients it needs to successfully establish right from the start.
Newly laid sod goes through a stressful process of harvesting, transportation, and installation. By giving it the right nutrients, you can help it adapt to its new environment more easily. So, let’s explore the best nutrients and a fertilizer schedule for your new sod.
The Best Fertilizer for New Sod
When selecting a fertilizer for your new sod, it’s important to avoid using a product that is high in nitrogen. Instead, focus on nutrients like phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients help the roots of your new sod grow into the soil, ensuring successful establishment.
Ideally, you should choose a fertilizer with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. For example, a 15-15-15 or 8-8-8 ratio is recommended.
For the best results, we recommend using Lawnifi’s® New Lawn Starter Box. This box contains three bottles of liquid fertilizer, with two bottles having an 8-8-8 ratio and one bottle with a 16-0-4 ratio. Each bottle covers approximately 5,000 sq. ft. and is easy to apply using your garden hose.
What sets Lawnifi products apart is their Catalyst TechnologyTM. This technology nano-sizes the nutrients, allowing the grass blades and roots to absorb them more efficiently. By using the New Lawn Starter Box, you provide your new sod with the necessary nutrients for the next four weeks.
Fertilizer Application Schedule
To ensure the successful establishment of your new sod, follow this schedule:
Day 1:
On the day of installation, water your new sod thoroughly as mentioned in our sod installation guide. Use half of the first bottle of Lawnifi Grow from the New Lawn Starter Box. Apply it to your already installed sod. You will use the remaining portion of this bottle during days 2-5.
Days 2-5:
Water your new sod thoroughly in the morning and late afternoon. Between day 2 and day 5, apply the remainder of the first bottle of Lawnifi Grow from your New Lawn Starter Box during one of these waterings. Ensure that you water enough to reach the roots and soil.
Days 10-12:
Apply the second bottle of Lawnifi Grow at a full rate. This application will accelerate root growth, allowing your new lawn to properly take hold. The Grow formula provides essential nutrients for healthy establishment.
During this time, keep an eye out for signs of lawn disease, such as irregular circular patterns or fungus. If present, apply a systemic fungicide like Heritage G.
Days 16-20:
Apply the last bottle, Maintain, from your Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box. Maintain enhances overall turfgrass growth, color, and hardiness. Additionally, it contributes to healthy soil composition by delivering amino acids and microbes. This bottle will provide your lawn with all the necessary nutrition for the next 30 days.
Transitioning to Regular Fertilizer Schedule
After the first 30 days of establishment, you can transition from the establishment fertilizer schedule to a regular fertilizer schedule. If you followed the New Lawn Starter Box schedule mentioned above, you may consider transitioning to Lawnifi’s Spring or Fall Fertilizer Box, depending on when you installed your sod.
Different seasons require varying nutrients as temperatures and soil conditions change throughout the year. Lawnifi makes it easy to purchase an entire subscription for all three seasonal boxes, offering annual or monthly payment options. This subscription is more cost-effective than purchasing each box individually. If you prefer granular fertilizer applications, Lawnifi Foundation is a great choice, suitable for use throughout the year.
Refer to our Homeowner Maintenance Guides for specific grass types, such as bermudagrass, bluegrass, centipede grass, fescue, St. Augustine, and zoysia, after the first 30 days. These guides provide maintenance tips for spring, summer, and fall.
For more information about Lawnifi and to explore why it’s the ideal choice for your lawn, check out our related articles on Sod University: “Why Use Lawnifi Fertilizer?” and “Liquid Lawnifi’s Most FAQs.”
Remember, by following the right fertilization schedule and providing your new sod with the necessary nutrients, you can enjoy a vibrant and healthy lawn for years to come!
