Knowledgebase
New sod / Linden tree #806237
Asked August 14, 2022, 6:25 PM EDT
On June 3, the builder of our new home planted the trees in our landscape. We hand-watered them making sure the soil didn't dry out. They were looking terrific and very healthy. On August 5, the sod finally arrived and was put down. The landscaper set the new sprinkler system to run 3x each day for 10 minutes. 6am, noon, 6pm. Within a week the Linden that is located in the new lawn is looking very bad. This is disappointing because it was doing beautifully when we were hand watering it. We can't walk on the new sod to get close-up photos of the leaves, but how can we determine if the Linden is getting too much water or not enough? Any other suggestions or recommendations? We don't want to lose this tree.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Regarding the sod:
1. You can absolutely walk on it! It's been 10 days and I bet there are tons of new roots. You walking on it will not cause it harm. I wouldn't host a neighborhood football game, but it can take foot traffic.
2. Make sure you're mowing the new sod - mowing will help develop new roots, which will aid in establishment. Don't let the grass get too tall, because if you scalp it down or cut it too short, you'll shock the roots.
Regarding the linden:
1. I'm guessing that it's not benefitting from enough water, even though you're watering the sod. If it was getting water directly to the roots on a regular basis, that changed when you installed the sod.
2. I would continue with your efforts of directly watering the rootball of the linden tree through the end of the growing season on a regular basis (2-3 times per week). The tree is trying to establish and it will need regular water to keep the roots hydrated.
3. Cut out a mulch ring in the sod around the linden. Go out 2-3 feet and add 3-5 inches of wood mulch. Keep the mulch 6" away from the trunk of the tree. Having grass below trees was proven to reduce establishment and introduces competition. This research was done in the 1980s at the Morton Arboretum in Chicago. With mulch under trees, the roots have a better opportunity to get water and oxygen, which aids the tree.
