Description
The outlined steps below are proper care and maintenance checklists for each of the seasons.
Prior to and immediately after installation: Prepare soil and water thoroughly before sod is placed (additional info at www.sodsolutions.com.) It is essential that turf be watered thoroughly when installed. Soak upon installation and water as needed to keep new sod from drying out. Overwatering for an extended period, however, will severely damage the turf, inducing disease and rotting roots. It usually takes 7–10 days during the active growing season for the sod to establish, but may take longer during cooler weather. Proper rooting can be checked by lifting a corner of the new sod piece and noting if “white” roots have connected to the ground. Mow the new sod 7–10 days after installation.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
- Have your soil Ph level tested every other year and add the necessary amendments.
- Always read and follow label instruction information before applying any chemical to your lawn.
- Following the final freeze of winter, drop your mower a notch and give your Celebration Bermudagrass a “buzz-cut.” Make sure to bag up all the material. This will get rid of the brown top layer and any old leaves. Then for the rest of spring and summer keep your Celebration lawn mowed between 1-2 inches. If you notice scalping/browning after mowing, you may need to mow more frequently.
- Apply fertilizer. A general recommendation would be to use a 1-0-1 ratio variety, like a 15-0-15. This promotes the overall health of the grass.
- If you have experienced weed issues in the past, apply pre-emergent herbicide.
- Don’t overwater. In the active growing season, Celebration needs about 1 inch of water per week, either from natural rainfall or irrigation. Too much water can cause fungus.
- When mowing, never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade with each mow. If you remove more than that, you will stress the grass and it will go brown for a short while. If you go on vacation, you may have to mow a couple of times to get the grass back to its desired height. Wait about 3-5 days between each mowing.
- Be careful not to over water the grass. Water for longer periods of time, less frequently and in the early morning hours. Always take rainfall into consideration.
- Be alert for armyworms. If you notice yellowing or patches of grass at different heights, immediately use an insecticide labeled for armyworm control.
- Apply “winterizing” fertilizer. A general guideline would be something with a 1-0-2 ratio like an 8-0-16.
- You will mow less in the cooler months of the fall. Let the Celebration grow a bit taller by raising the mowing height a notch. This will promote deeper root growth. Just don’t maintain the grass over 2 inches.
- Water less. As temperatures drop grasses don’t need as much irrigation so adjust your schedule accordingly. Too much watering can lead to a lawn disease.
- If you haven’t had problems with winter weeds in the past, you can forgo herbicide in the fall. However, if you do get winter weeds, you can apply a pre-emergent herbicide for prevention.
- Maintain your Celebration lawn… mow and water less in the colder months.
