Cool-season sod needs some specialized care and treatment. Such treatment includes aeration, irrigation, fertilization, but to mention a few. That said, the timings and the ways of treating sod differ depending on season and the type of lawn. This post explores the ways to care for your cool-season sod.
Adjust Watering Schedule
As fall sets in accompanied by rainfall, you will have to revise your sod watering schedule. This is an excellent factor for those with an automated watering system as they may have lost personal touch with watering schedules. Since fully grown turf is dormant in winter, it doesn’t require watering. But if your turf remains green and active, be sure to reduce the amount of water you supply. Cool fall and winter temperatures lower sod water needs. This modification will not only conserve water but also save you money. Remember to continue watering the newly planted sod areas for the grass to grow and develop actively.
Apply Fertilizer
According to lawn care experts, you should fertilize cool-season sod annually. The experts also advocate for the fertilization to be in the fall (October or November). Additionally, experts recommend that you give your turf more nitrogen-based fertilizer. Therefore, as the cold season kicks off, replenish your fertilizer stores early enough before the sod blades begin to fade with the arrival of freezing air. When the grass is fertilized in the fall, it rapidly feeds and develops leaf blades, making excess food stored in turf roots. The stored food sustains the lawn in winter.
Avoid Damp Areas
Avoid walking on the sod when it rains, and your soil is thoroughly soaked in water. This prevents compacting the wet soil affecting lawn growth. Similarly, refrain from raking over the damp lawn as you may pull off the grass.
Modify Your Mowing Height
As the cold season approaches, consider raising your mower by 1/2 to 1 inch. This adjustment increases the leaf area resulting in increased sunlight absorption leading to more food synthesis and storage.
Remove Fallen Leaves
Sweep or rake leaves that fall on your turf regularly. When leaves fall and accumulate on your turf, they will inhibit your lawn’s exposure to sunlight. Limited exposure to sunlight will impact photosynthesis and eventually turf growth.
Seed Bare Spots
Reseed any bare spots in your cool-season sod. The new turf will germinate and rapidly grow owing to the autumn’s cooler temperatures. Also, don’t forget to rinse newly seeded areas of the turf. Stay away from freshly planted sods to enable the roots to be established.
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