Is it slippery?

Because stamped concrete is a textured surface, it is often more slip resistant than conventional concrete. However, just like natural stone, it can become slippery when wet or if a film-forming sealer has been applied. If stamped concrete will be installed in a high-traffic area, such as an entryway or pool deck, there are a number of things you can do to increase its slip resistance. Read these tips for improving the slip resistance of stamped concrete.

Can I use salt on it in the winter?

You should avoid using deicing salts on stamped concrete, especially during the first winter after the pavement is installed. Using deicers can cause surface damage—primarily scaling and spilling-by forcing the thawing and refreezing of moisture. Products containing ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates are especially harmful because they will actually attack the concrete chemically. Rock salt (sodium chloride) or calcium chloride will do less damage, but they can harm vegetation and corrode metal. As an alternative, use sand for traction. Read How to Maintain Your Concrete Driveway.

When your sod is installed, you should immediately begin watering it twice daily for one week then once daily with an inch of water (about fifteen to twenty minutes) during each session until the sod is rooted in the soil. This should only take a few weeks and is essential for a successful sod lawn. The soil should not ever dry out before the roots grow into the soil.

The best time to water your lawn is during the early morning (6am -9am) or evening (6pm-9pm) and not during the day. This is because less water is evaporated and your lawn will use the water more efficiently. Be aware that watering during the day will not damage your sod, but you may have to water longer.

Mowing: Determine mower timing by height of grass not the calendar. Cut no more than 1/2″ of grass at a time. If you want 3″ grass, wait till it is 3.5″, then mow.

Care is very important, particularly for the first month. Successful seed germination depends on a few days of special care. To assure proper germination water regularly. We suggest almost continuous watering in warm weather. Keeping the yard moist will maximize seed germination. You may walk on the hydro seeded surface when watering. Try to walk only on areas that are dry, and try to not disturb the mulch mat.

By watering regularly and keeping your new seedlings from drying out you insure the beginnings of a lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy.

Mowing can begin once the new lawn is 3″ tall in most areas. Mowing stimulates growth and increases thickness. Set the mower high at first, then gradually lower. Try to cut no more than 1/3 of the grass at a time. One general rule for mowing is that the shorter you want to mow the more often you need to mow to maintain healthy grass.

About one month after seeding, fertilize your new lawn using a high nitrogen (the first of the 3 numbers on the bag) fertilizer. We have used a high phosphorus or “starter fertilizer” when hydro-seeding your lawn. The phosphorus will stimulate root growth, and in the early stages it is important to get good root growth before you stimulate a vigorous top growth with nitrogen.

Talk to us about a program for continued care of your lawn with regular treatments of fertilizer and treatments for weed and insect problems as required.