We recommend Floratam Sod be fertilized 30 days after installation. Floratam Sod should be fertilized when needed or 3 to 4 times a year. A balanced fertilizer works best. Examples are 6-6-6. Bahia Sod should be fertilized once a year in the spring. Floratam Lawns should be fertilized about 6 times a year. A general weed and feed fertilizer works best. Lowes or Home Depot carry some good products. When it comes to a weed and feed product follow directions carefully as weed and feed products can burn your grass if not watered in or put down to heavily. If you are not comfortable applying these products email me at joe@joeslawns.com and I will be happy to reccomend some great fertilizer companies.
Mowing Schedule
Two weeks after installation Floratam, Bahia, Seville, Zoysia, Palmetto Sod, may be mowed. Always have mower set to a 3-4" height for Floratam and Bahia Sod. Bahia can be cut shorted once established. Floratam and St. Augustine sod should always be cut at 4 inches or higher.
Water Schedule
New Lawns should be given water every day for at least 2 weeks. Thereafter, water when needed. Water one to three times a week, if your lawn is established. Water 20 to 30 minutes per zone. It is very important that your sprinkler system is working properly. The life of your floratam/St. Augustine sod depends on it. Most sod damage is cause by lack of water. Before any new sod install is performed be sure your irrigation system is working properly and your sprinkler heads are at the correct height. A properly installed sprinkler head will not be damaged by mowers. They need to be low enough in the ground for mowers to drive over. Dirt should be compacted around them and/or a cement sprinkler circles should be installed around them so mower wheels can drive over them without causing damage.
Insects
Spray with Triazicide or Talstar for Chinch Bugs in Floratam. Spray with Triazicide for Mole Crickets in Bahia Sod. Spray one week after installation. Thereafter, spray every other month, six times a year. An all purpose granular pesticide works great in Florida. Apply every 8 weeks in the summer and every two months in the winter to keep your lawn bug free. Spectracide makes a great product called triazicide available at Lowes.
Fungus
Spray Floratam Sod with Daconil when fungus is present. Signs of fungus can often be mistaken for bug damage. Fungus will make brown spots occur in your lawn. Fungus usually only happens during the summer months. Spray during the wet season. Signs of fungus are damp, matted down, browning spots in your lawn. If an area of your lawn never really dries out or gets any sun and starts to turn brown, its probably fungus. Mushrooms growing in your lawn are also a sign that conditions are good for fungus growth.
