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After the sod has fully rooted (approximately 3 weeks), regular mowing can commence. For best results, never cut more than 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing and maintain sharp mower blades. Cutting frequency will need to be increased during the faster growing seasons of spring and fall.
What happens if you mow sod too soon?
Mowing Early Causes Damage Trying to keep recently installed sod short will only result in damaged or dead grass. Mowing before the sod is fully anchored often leads to the edges or corners of the slabs peeling up into the mower blades. This can ruin entire patches of the lawn very quickly.
When should you mow sod for the first time?
In most cases, your new lawn should be safe to mow about two weeks after installation. However, homeowners must ensure that the sod has developed its shallow root system before mowing the grass.
How long does it take for sod to root?
Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod. Be sure to set your mower to the highest setting possible in order to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
How long do you have to stay off new sod?
The general recommendation is to wait two weeks – but the number of days you wait is really dependent on determining that the lawn has, indeed, taken root. If this seems like a long time to wait, keep in mind you’d have to wait three to four times as long if you’d used seed instead of sod!.
Can you wait too mow new grass?
Seeded lawns require the longest time period between planting your grass and mowing. Because you must wait for seeds to germinate, you cannot cut the grass until two months have passed. If you planted your seeds during their active growing season, the blades should reach a 3 to 3.5 inch height after eight weeks.
How long after sod can you fertilize?
The Answers You Need When to fertilize new sod? You will want to wait 30 days after installing your new sod to apply fertilizer, to give it time to take root and acclimate to your yard.
What to do after sod is laid?
THE FIRST 5 STEPS TO TAKE AFTER YOUR NEW SOD IS INSTALLED Water Immediately and Deeply. Each square of sod needs to be soaked thoroughly with water within 30 minutes of it being laid out on the ground. Roll the Sod. Check the Soil. Mow When Necessary. Avoid Chemical Treatments.
Should I bag grass clippings on new sod?
Do not mow new sod for 2 weeks. After two weeks, make sure sod is rooting into soil by pulling on corner of sod. Set the mowing height on the highest setting. It is best to bag the clippings for the first month.
Can you lay dormant sod?
The sod is “hibernating” until warm weather signals green-up in the spring. You can install dormant sod in the winter to prevent erosion and mud, with green up and rooting taking place in the spring. Proper soil preparation, sod installation, and maintenance will ensure a green lawn in the spring.
Can you overwater sod?
Take care never to overwater the sod while it is in the rooting stage. Soggy sod can lead to root rot and eventually new sod failure. Instead, water the sod in smaller amounts, several times during the day. Your first mow should be scheduled two to three weeks after the sod was installed.
What time of day should you water sod?
Water early in the morning, 6-8am. Wind speeds are lower and less water is lost to evaporation. Watering in the evening is discouraged—water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus. Infrequent, deep watering is better than shallow watering.
How long does newly laid turf take to root?
The whole process of laying turf can take up to four weeks depending on weather and how well the ground was prepared prior to laying the fresh turf. During these four weeks, the roots in the turf will grow into the soil and the turf will become stronger and more able to withstand harsh weather conditions.
How soon after laying turf can I mow?
Start mowing should as soon as the turf sticks to the soil. This can be as soon as 10 days after laying in the summer. A good way to check is to turn back a corner of one of the turves. If it is well anchored by roots it is alright to start mowing.
Why can’t you walk on newly laid turf?
On average, it’s OK to walk on a new turf around 3 weeks after installation. But everything depends upon weather, time of year and how well the ground was prepared. Only when the roots have penetrated the soil below and established is the ‘new’ lawn ready for action.
How often do you water new sod?
Your new lawn needs to be watered twice a day, for about 20 minutes per session every day for at least two months. This should be enough so that your lawn gets a solid six inches of watering per cycle.
Can I cut turf after 2 weeks?
Your new lawn will probably need its first cut about 3 weeks after you laid your turf. If the turf lifts up – wait and try again in a few days-time. If you end up with a handful of grass clippings, then it’s OK to bring out the mower. Make sure your mower blades are as sharp as sharp can be.
How often should lawn be mowed?
The rate of grass growth and desired height of your lawn determine how often you need to mow. Typically, mowing once a week during the growing season should suffice to keep your lawn healthy. The rest of the time, you can reduce the frequency of cutting to every other week, as necessary.
