Full Notification

As the Magoun Ave. Project continues, we are writing to inform you that the City of East Chicago will provide watering service for you for your new sod for the first 30 days after installation.  After the watering services are completed, it will be up to the residents to maintain their lawns. Below are some instructions on how to maintain your lawn:

 FIRST TWO WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION

• Proper watering is essential to establishment (rooting) of your new sod. It’s nearly impossible to over water new sod!
• As a general rule, keep sod and soil moist all throughout the day. As much as 2 to 6 sprinklings during the day (morning and afternoon) are required until sod begins to root. Adjust for location, sprinklers, and temperature.
• Stay off new sod until after the first mowing.
• Try cutting back frequency of irrigations just before the first mow to firm up the soil.
• First mow is approximately 30 days after installation except in winter, which will require a longer time before the first mow.
• Mowing high is least stressful to the new sod. Never mow off more than one-third of the grass blade.

THREE TO FOUR WEEKS AFTER INSTALLATION

• Re-adjust your watering clock or timer. Reduce frequency of waterings gradually after each mowing, while increasing minutes per watering.
• Deeper, less frequent soakings will help roots grow down deeper and establish more quickly into the soil. Pull or tug on turf to check rooting.
• Fertilize your new sod lawn at one month to continue encouraging rooting and establishment. Use either Master Nursery Master Green Lawn Food or Master Nursery Formula 49.

Thank you for your patience throughout this project.