Weeds on your new lawn are a big
disappointment, so you must take protective measures to prevent them. Even in
the best conditions, weeds can make their way over to your beautiful new lawn
from your neighbors. If your sod is still freshly laid, then you must make sure
you don't harm it before it fully takes hold. More aggressive weed-prevention
measures can be taken after the sod has matured.
One of the worst types of weeds in North
Carolina is crabgrass. This weed exists just about everywhere. It starts to
grow when the soil warms up in the spring. The summer heat makes this weed grow
quick and strong. In the fall, it drops seeds and the weed grows back again
next spring. As soon as your sod is laid, you must keep an eye out for weeds
like crabgrass. Here are do's and don'ts for keeping your new sod crabgrass
free.
Do Prepare the Ground
If you plan to do the ground preparation
work yourself, then make sure you thoroughly rid the land of existing weeds. At
this point, you can use weed killers as well as a tiller to kill and aerate the
soil. If you don't want to use chemicals, then you can use a plastic sheet to
cover the bare ground and smother the weeds and their seeds. The organic route
can take weeks to accomplish.
Do Pull the Weeds
If your sod is very new, then wait before
you walk on it and pull out the crabgrass. If possible, try to pull the weeds
from the edges of the sod while you stand on the side. The edges are often
where crabgrass begins to set up, anyway. After you pull, repair any bare
patches with new grass seed. Failure to patch up the lawn could allow for
crabgrass, or other weeds, to return.
Do Mow Your Lawn High
You cannot mow new sod right away. If you
do, then you could damage it. Let your grass grow for a few weeks before its
first mow. When you do decide to mow, keep the grass height above three inches.
Crabgrass prefers shorter grass because it allows more light and water to reach
its leaves and roots. Taller grass chokes this weed.
Don't scalp your lawn. If you cut your lawn
that short, then you create a perfect environment for crabgrass to take hold.
The same with weed wackers. Anything that can expose the soil creates an
attractive environment for crabgrass.
Don't Use Weed Killers
When your sod is new, stay away from
herbicides. The new sod will be sensitive to these chemicals until it can
firmly take root. Instead, try organic means of crabgrass prevention. After the
lawn has matured, then you can use chemical means of eradication. Use a
post-emergent herbicide in the summer and a pre-emergent herbicide in the fall
and winter.
Don't Forget the Fertilizers
Make sure you follow your type of grass's
fertilizer schedule with the proper amounts and frequency. Lawns that grow
thick are less likely to let weeds take hold. Also, fertilizers help reduce the
stress of sod placement. Make sure you give your lawn the proper amount of
water to help your sod attach. Water is especially important in the summer
months. The hot season is when lawns get stressed and crabgrass flourish.
If you take good care of your new sod, then
your weed problems should be minimal. Turf Masters Sod Farm sells
good quality sod to get you started on your new lawn. We can also give you tips
on how to prepare your land so that your weed problems will be minimal or
nonexistent. Call or visit us online and see what types of sod we offer and
learn more about our delivery options.
