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How and When to Fertilize Scotts® ProVista™ Turfgrass

With Scotts® ProVista™ sod, you’re already ahead of the game when it comes to growing a gorgeous green lawn. But, there are a few things you can do to ensure you stay ahead, including fertilizing new sod at the right time. Just like with people, good nutrition is key to strong, healthy grass.

Feeding sod early in its development will help it grow deep roots and full blades with a natural, deep green color. Once the sod is established, the right nutrients allow it to withstand natural stressors like heat and drought much better than sod that is left to struggle on its own. Here are our best tips for feeding new sod.

TOOLS FOR FEEDING ST. AUGUSTINE SOD

You won’t need to fertilize your new Scotts® ProVista™ sod for the first 4 to 6 weeks, but you can use the time after installation to plan upcoming care using a few helpful tools.

First, if you haven’t already, sign up for the Scotts® Program. You’ll answer a few questions, and then receive the products you need to care for your sod at the exact time you need to apply them. It’s that easy.

Another handy tool to help you stay on top of lawn care is the My Lawn app. It will also ask you a few questions and then help you set reminders for essential tasks, like feeding your sod, so you can enjoy your lawn without worry.

HOW TO FEED NEW SOD

The biggest difference between feeding Scotts® ProVista™ sod and a seeded lawn is the timing. You’ll need to wait about 4-6 weeks after installation to fertilize sod because the sod needs to have established roots to soak up the nutrients, and that takes a bit of time.

How do you know when it’s time for that first feeding? Try lifting a corner of one of the squares of sod. If it doesn’t lift easily or stays in place, it’s ready. Use a spreader and turn the dial to the recommended setting on the fertilizer bag. Always follow those instructions so that you don’t over- or under-feed your sod.

HOW TO FEED ESTABLISHED ST. AUGUSTINE SOD

Because Scotts® ProVista™ sod grows more slowly than other St. Augustine lawns, you’ll mow less and use less fertilizer but still have a beautiful lawn. Once you move beyond the initial phase of letting your sod get acquainted with the soil it’s attaching to, it’s considered established. Here’s what to use when it’s time to begin a regular feeding schedule.

  • Spring: You might notice that your lawn takes a bit longer to green up in the spring (grass goes dormant even in Southern winters). No worries! An application of Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action will give your sod a boost to stimulate growth, while killing existing weeds and preventing and killing fire ants.
  • Summer: The heat of summer can be really tough on lawns, so give yours what it needs with an early application of Scotts® Turf Builder® Ultra Feed. It’ll release nutrients when your sod needs them to keep your lawn looking full and deeply hued.
  • Fall: It’s Scotts® Turf Builder® Southern Triple Action to the rescue again! This multi-use fertilizer will keep your sod greener a bit longer, kill the pesky ants, and banish both winter and cool season perennial weeds, leading to fewer weed problems next spring. Make sure to apply at least 6 weeks before the first frost to avoid an overload of nitrogen in the soil that could damage your sod. 


HOW TO FEED ESTABLISHED KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS SOD

  • Spring: You might notice that your lawn takes a bit longer to green up in the spring. No worries! An application of Scotts® Turf Builder® Triple Action will give your sod a boost to stimulate growth, while killing existing weeds and preventing and killing fire ants.
  • Summer: The heat of summer can be really tough on lawns, so give yours what it needs with an early application of Scotts® Turf Builder® Healthy. It’ll release nutrients when your sod needs them to keep your lawn looking full and healthy.
  • Fall: It’s Scotts® Turf Builder® Winterguard  to the rescue! This will keep your sod greener a bit longer and banish both winter and cool season perennial weeds, leading to fewer weed problems next spring. Make sure to apply at least 6 weeks before the first frost to avoid an overload of nitrogen in the soil that could damage your sod. 


These guidelines will help you stay on track, but for a fail-safe way to give your grass what it needs each season, download the My Lawn app. The handy pocket guru will send you a notification when it’s time for a lawn refresh.

A regular feeding schedule means your lawn will be happier in the long run and better able to stand up to hours of activity. Having a yard you love that you can use day in, day out, is what it’s all about.