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When can I mow my new sod? If you follow along our establishment guide, the first day of mowing should take place 13–15 days after installation, which is generally about two weeks later. Before mowing, check on the progress your lawn has made with establishing by lightly tugging at the sod.
How long should you wait to mow new sod?
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.
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.
Can you water new sod too much?
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.
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.
What height should I mow my lawn?
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.
Can you wait too mow new grass?
Wait until the grass has strengthened before you mow the lawn. It takes about four weeks for grass seeds to germinate. If you cut too soon, the mower blades and wheels will pull the grass sprouts out of the ground because the seedlings haven’t had enough time to establish a root system.
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 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.
Is it normal for new sod to yellow?
Failing to water the sod quickly enough after installation, or allowing it to dry out too much while it’s stacked and waiting for installation, is the most common cause of yellowing. Whenever possible, stop and water the freshly laid sod after every few pieces so they don’t dry out in the sun.
What does overwatering sod look like?
Soggy soil, rotting grass roots and the failure of grass to take root are some of the symptoms of overwatered new sod. If the roots are brown and soft, they’re rotting, probably due to too much water. But if you can’t lift the grass because the roots have grown into the soil, that’s a good sign.
Should you water sod everyday?
New sod requires daily watering, and sometimes, you may need to water more than once a day to prevent the soil from drying. Lift up the sod before the roots have begun to grow into the soil after watering it. Too much water will prevent the roots from growing into the soil beneath.
How do you know if sod is overwatered?
The best way to tell if you’ve been watering your new sod properly is to check with your finger. The sod should feel sufficiently damp that it is not dry, but it should not be so full of water that it is muddy. If the sod begins to feel like it is heavy from the weight of the water, you may have overwatered it.
How do you keep new sod alive?
Tips for Keeping Your Sod Alive Watering. It’s important you douse the sod with water once you lay it, within the initial hour at the latest. Watering tips. Ensure water reaches every area of your lawn. Fertilizing. Keep Traffic off Your Sod. Mowing.
How long does it take a sprinkler to water 1 inch?
To determine how long you need to water to get one inch, place a plastic container in your yard and set a timer. On average, it will take 30 minutes to get a half inch of water. So, 20 minutes, three times per week will give a lawn about an inch of water. This formula works best with healthy, well-cultivated soil.
