Landscaping Tips

For new lawns, we recommend the following watering routine:

• Week One: 30 minutes, three times a day at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM
• Week Two: 30 minutes, two times a day at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
• Week Three: 30 minutes, once a day at 1:00 PM
• Week Four: 30 minutes, every other day at 4:00 PM

The first 72 hours after the sod has been placed are the most critical! It must be kept VERY, VERY WET to a depth of 6 inches to 8 inches.

How Do I Know If My Lawn is Established?

After roots are well established and the grass itself has a good green color, check it by gently pulling on the sod. If the strips don't give when you pull, your lawn is established.

Immediately after the sod is laid and fertilized, begin watering all sodded areas. Schedule watering to assure the sod is constantly wet and water penetrates the soil 4 to 6 inches. Your first mowing should be after the sod has had time to knit with the soil.

During rapid growing times, it may be necessary to let the sod dry enough to permit mowing during the first three weeks. Subsequent mowing should be done whenever the grass clippings measure approximately .5 inches or 25% of the grass plant.

Fertilizer should be applied as directed on the back of the bag during April, May, June, September, and October with a cyclone-type spreader. You can ask Green Guys for help with all types of lawn maintenance.

Your new lawn will be ready for its first mowing about three to four weeks after sod installation. This initial mowing will be dependent upon weather conditions.

Mow when the grass is dry, and be sure your mower blade is sharp. Mow frequently enough so that you remove no more than 1/3 of the height at a time. We recommend a lawn height of 2.5 to 3 inches for new lawns. Allow grass clippings to remain in place to add nutrients and improve turfgrass.

Install new sod in a brick-laying pattern, staggering the joint. Use a linoleum cutter to cut around trees and trim edges. Once your sod is freshly laid, apply the second starter fertilizer. Begin watering immediately by flooding the area.

Ground Preparation

Clear any rocks, large dirt clods (anything over 1" in diameter should be broken up or cleared), or other debris from the area to be sodded. Once the soil is smooth, ensure that it is graded to a level of 1-1/2" below sidewalk surfaces. Make sure this area is also free of weeds, provides proper draining away from the house, and is contoured to your liking.

If You Choose to Rototill

Incorporate 3 to 4 cubic yards of humus material* along with 5 to 7 pounds Phosphate per 1,000 square feet. (Rototilling without adding organic matter has little effect.). After rototilling, be sure the area has been leveled avoiding a “wash board” appearance. This can also be accomplished by puddling the area, which will settle the dirt and eliminate undesirable air pockets.

Remember, humus material will help retain soil moisture but has no nutritional value. A relatively inexpensive soil test can be conducted through your local County Extension Office to determine the condition of your soil. We recommend this test after almost any DIY sod installation, as they are an easy to determine the best treatment for your lawn.

*Humus material is a matured, dirt-like compost made of organic materials. It's one of the most nutritious planting materials can be found at hardware and gardening stores, or made through composting. 

If You Choose Not To Rototill

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! Apply a starter fertilizer with a cyclone spreader on a mid-range setting followed by a thorough watering. This is the food source for your lawn. Proper fertilization with a high-phosphorous fertilizer ensures healthy root development and lasting beauty.

Installation

1. Install new sod in a brick-laying pattern as illustrated, staggering the joints. Begin with the longest straight line, and butt edges closely, but not overlapping.

Use a linoleum cutter to cut around trees and trim edges. Rake dirt up to the finished edges to prevent wind and air burn.

Start watering within 30 minutes of installation, which may mean watering behind the installer before the whole job is complete.

2. When installation is complete, make the second starter fertilizer application on top of the newly laid sod.

3. Begin watering immediately by flooding the area to eliminate the need for rolling. Watering assures adherence, eliminates air pockets, and prevents possible shock.

Febco Pressure Vacuum Breaker Draining and Start-up Procedures

Febco Pressure Vacuum Breaker Draining Procedures Inside

Turn sprinkler water valve off (usually in basement or crawl space).

Loosen inside cap by hand (be careful not to lose cap or seal)

Outside

Turn both blue valves to 45 degrees.

Turn both testcocks screws to 45 dress (side of vacuum breaker)

Loosen outside cap by hand (be careful not to lose cap or seal).

Febco Pressure Vacuum Breaker Start-Up Procedures Outside

Turn both blue valves off, perpendicular to pipe.

Turn both testcocks screws to vertical position, perpendicular to the ground.

Tighten outside cap by hand.

Inside

Tight inside cap by hand.

Turn on sprinkler water valve slowly for 15 seconds, then to full "on."

Outside

Turn on bottom blue valve slowly perpendicular to ground.

Turn on top blue valve slowly parallel to ground.

Spring is a time of new growth. To prepare your lawn for the growing season, we recommend:

• Sprinkler activation
• Mowing
• Spring clean-up
• Fertilization
• Weed control
• Flowers

To keep your yard vibrant all summer, go through the following checklist:

• Planting
• General landscaping
• Fertilization
• Sprinkler inspection and repair
• Mowing
• Weed control

Give your fall the right send-off for winter. Here’s your fall checklist:

• Sprinkler winterization
• Fertilization
• Aeration
• Pruning
• Leaf removal
• Sod
• Snow preparation

Make sure your yard is safe all winter long. Here are the things to look at and secure this winter:

• Fencing
• Stonework