How to Make Sod Come Back

Sod can die out due to improper installation or cultural practices. Under watering is one of the main causes of dead sod. Grass cannot establish strong root systems when the soil has dried out. To prevent your sod from drying out, ensure you install your sod before or after the summer months. Hot summer temperatures make keeping the soil moist difficult. Also, keep your sod watered after the installation so that the top inch of soil stays moist. Once your sod has died out, you will have to employ special gardening practices to bring it back to life.

Rake
Tuna can
Measuring stick
Fertilizer
Lawn mower
Grass clippings
Sharp trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Rake up the dead sod using a spring-tined rake. By removing the dead grass, you allow air and water to penetrate the root system.
- 2
  Water your sod in the morning. Give your sod 1 inch of water a week to help it bounce back from the dead. Ensure your sod gets enough water each week by placing a tuna can in the yard. Measure the amount of water in the tuna can to see if you need to supplement the water.
- 3
  Fertilize your sod four to six weeks after installing with a fertilizer that has an NPK amount of 2-1-1 at a rate of 1 lb. of slow-release nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Apply fertilizer every six weeks throughout the growing season.
- 4
  Mow your sod when it reaches 3 1/3 inches in height. By allowing your sod to grow to 3 inches, you help the root system establish and promote healthy grass growth.
- 5
  Distribute a fine layer of grass clippings across your sod after mowing. Grass clippings decompose and contribute important nutrients, like nitrogen, that encourage healthy sod growth.

Proper Mowing of New Grasses

Rhizome Grasses and Erosion Control

Growing Grass