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Set your mower at two to three inches and mow off one-third of the height. Mow at or above two inches for the first few times. If your new lawn reaches over three and a half inches tall, mow off a third of the length even if it has not been two weeks and collect the clippings.
When should you cut new sod short?
The right time to mow new sod is 7-14 days after installation. This waiting time is to allow the roots to grow and become strong in the ground. When it is time to cut the grass, set the mowing height higher than you usually would to leave enough leaf surface for adequate photosynthesis.
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.
Should I leave grass clippings on new sod?
Unless you’ve let the lawn grow excessively long, or the clippings are in thick clumps, grass clippings are a good source of nutrients. Leaving clippings helps save fertilizer costs and thereby prevents ground and surface water contamination.
How long does it take for new sod to take 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.
When can I walk on new sod?
If you walk on your sod before its roots have established, you’re lessening your chances of success. How long must you wait to use your new sod lawn? 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.
Can you over water new sod?
Each watering should only consist of enough water to wet the roots. New sod is not able to soak up much water at once, and too much water will cause root rot. You never want soggy soil under your new sod. Too much water will foster fungus under the roots which can cause your new sod to fail.
What height should grass be cut?
A Rule of Thumb The general rule of thumb for determining what the grass height should be on your lawn for a cool-season grass generally is about 2 1/2 inches. And at each mowing, only remove about the top 1/3 of the grass blade. Consequently, a good time to mow lawns is when your grass is about 3 2/3 inches high.
Is it OK to cut wet grass?
It’s always best to let the grass dry before mowing it. When mowing grass, however, keep in mind that only a third or less of the grass blades should be cut. If the grass stays wet for long periods of time and continues to grow, it’s OK to mow the wet grass to keep it from growing too tall and going to seed.
Should you mow before dethatching?
Mow your lawn to half its normal height before you begin dethatching. Use a dethatching rake like you would a regular rake. Dig the tines into the thatch and pull it upward, helping to loosen and remove the buildup. While you rake, you should feel and see the thatch separating from the soil.
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.
How often do you water newly laid 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.
Should I put starter fertilizer on new sod?
For new sod, it is critical to get the roots established first. A fertilizer with an adequate amount of phosphorus is best. ft.), or similar starter fertilizer, to the bare ground and then water it into the soil before installing the turf sod to help establish the roots.
How do I make sure sod grows?
Tricks for Helping Sod Growth Stay Off New Sod. New sod needs time to establish a strong root system in your lawn. Water the Sod. Sod gives you an advantage because it doesn’t need as much irrigation as grass seeds, but you still need to keep the sod moist to encourage growth. Follow a Mowing Routine. Fertilize the Sod.
How long does it take for new grass to settle?
How long does it take turf to settle? 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.
Can you step on newly laid turf?
When can I walk on my new lawn? It is best to wait for about three weeks. This will have given the roots the time to knit into the soil below.
