Fall Care for New Sod in New Jersey: Compost or Scheduled Fertilizer

Sod laid one month ago in NJ. Two paths: (1) Topdress with pro-grade thermophilic compost at 1 cy/1,000 sq ft—feeds all year, repeat annually. (2) Mineral fertilizer: 1–1.5 lb N/1,000 sq ft in Oct/Nov and Feb/Mar (max 4 lb N/year for cool-season grass).

Compost builds soil; fertilizer feeds grass. Your choice. Either way, keep sod healthy—it’s established, now maintain.