A new lawn will need additional care until it takes root. Good watering, fertilizing and mowing habits are vital to the health of your lawn.

Watering maintains optimum growth, density and color. In most cases natural rainfall is sufficient; however, during droughts or periods of low irrigation supply additional watering is necessary. The amount of water to apply is dependent upon several factors but a good rule of thumb is approximately one inch of water. You should water in the morning only and skip watering on days when it rains.

Fertilizing is necessary to maintain a balance in the nutrients found in the soil. It is impossible to look at grass and determine any deficiencies that may exist. In general, fertilizer requirements will vary with the variety of grass, physical and chemical conditions of the soil, general climate conditions and usage of the lawn. As with a watering plan, consult a professional for advice on an effective fertilizing program.

Proper mowing is essential for a well-groomed appearance as well as for the longevity of the grass area. Cutting height tolerance varies between species; However, cutting grass too short removes leaf surface and can destroy growing points. Mowing is unnecessary during periods of dormancy and mowing wet grass should be avoided.

At Jefferson Feed we have created the following lawn maintenance program. Following these basic maintenance steps will help your lawn stay healthy and attractive.

• Apply New Lawn Starter by ferti-lome® within the first week of installation (ask for the little white jug with the green label)
• Water EVERY morning for the first week (1 inch)
• Water EVERY OTHER morning for the second week
• Water EVERY 3rd morning for the third week
• Should it rain on any of the watering days, SKIP that day
• Watering in the morning ONLY is critical as PM watering does not allow for proper drying and can lead to fungus
• Continue to apply the New Lawn Starter every 2 weeks for 60 days
• It is well-advised, as a preventative matter, to put down a fungicide and insecticide about 3 weeks after your sod has been installed
• For fungus use a liquid such as ferti-lome® Systemic Fungicide or a granule such as ferti-lome® F-Stop
• For insects use a liquid such as Hi Yield 38 Plus or a granule such as Hi Yield Bug Blaster
• Mow the grass as soon as it needs to be mowed but set the mower blades as HIGH AS POSSIBLE, CATCH THE CLIPPINGS, and AVOID MOWING WET GRASS
• After 60 days apply ferti-lome® Lawn Food Plus Iron (ask for the orange bag) and reapply every 60 days
• After September 30th apply ferti-lome® Winterizer (ask for the yellow bag) and reapply every 2 months  
• *** Application of Winterizer is one of the most important parts of the feeding as it will enforce the roots for the colder temperature and help reduce weed growth in the spring
• Application of fertilizer is critical because of the nutrient loss caused by the flood waters
• ferti-lome® products have been thoroughly tested by our sod farm and have the formulation required for our unique soil conditions
• Jefferson Feed stocks ferti-lome® products year round

By following these guidelines you will have a great lawn that is very tolerant to disease and weed.