A new sod refers to a newly laid piece of turf, typically grown from grass seed or taken from another location and laid down in a new area. It’s used for landscaping to establish a lush and healthy lawn quickly. The benefits of using new sod include a faster way to a green lawn, reducing erosion, and improving overall property value.
New sod can be cut any time of year, but the best time is during the growing season, typically spring or fall in temperate climates. Cutting the new sod just before installation is recommended to reduce stress on the grass and increase the chances of it taking root and establishing quickly.

New Sod Watering Chart

For newly laid sod, it is crucial to ensure adequate and consistent watering to help it establish roots and prevent drying out. Here’s a recommended watering schedule for new sod:

• First, water the sod immediately after installation.
• Then, water the sod daily for the first week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
• For the second week, water every other day. During the third week, water every three days. During the fourth week, water every four days. After the fourth week, water as needed to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Note: The required water will depend on climate, soil type, and sun exposure. Be mindful of local weather conditions and adjust the watering frequency and duration accordingly.

When To Mow New Sod With Riding Mower

New sod should be mowed when it reaches a height of 3-4 inches, typically taking 2-4 weeks after installation. This will allow the roots to become established and promote healthy growth. Use a mower with a high setting to avoid damaging the delicate sod. Repeat mowing as necessary to maintain a consistent height of 2-3 inches.

When To Fertilize New Sod

New sod should be fertilized 4-6 weeks after installation. Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., N-P-K formula of 10-10-10) and follow package instructions for the application rate.

• Granular fertilizer: Sprinkle granules evenly over the sod and water well to dissolve them into the soil.
• Liquid fertilizer: Apply liquid fertilizer directly to the sod with a watering can or spray bottle.
• Slow-release fertilizer: Apply slow-release fertilizer pellets at the time of sod installation. They will dissolve gradually over several weeks.
• Fertilizer spikes: Insert fertilizer spikes directly into the soil at regular intervals.
• Compost tea: Apply a solution of compost tea to the sod as a natural fertilizer.

Mowing New Sod Bag Or Mulch

It is best to avoid mowing new sod or mulch for at least 4-6 weeks after installation to allow the roots to establish and for the material to settle. After that, mow the sod to the desired height, and mulch should be left to a thickness of 2-3 inches or mulch for at least 4-6 weeks to allow roots to establish and material to settle. After that, mow sod to the desired height, and keep mulch thickness at 2-3 inches. Thickness at 2-3 inches for best results. When cutting sod, gradually reduce the height over several mowings instead of lowering it all at once to prevent stressing the grass. Also, avoid mowing when the grass is wet to prevent damage to the blades and soil compaction.
Wait until the sod or mulch has rooted, typically 4-6 weeks after installation. Then, set the mower blades to a higher setting (3-4 inches) and mow in a different direction each time to avoid compacting the soil. Gradually lower the mower blades over several weeks until the desired height is reached. Avoid mowing when the grass or mulch is wet to prevent soil compaction and plant damage.

How Short To Cut New Sod

Cutting new sod to a height of 2-3 inches is recommended. Here are the steps to cut new sod:

• Choose the right time to cut the sod. Avoid cutting when the grass is wet or under stress from heat, drought, or disease.
• Set the height of your mower. A good starting height is 2-3 inches.
• Start cutting in a back-and-forth pattern, mowing parallel to the longest edge of the sod.
• Make successive passes, mowing a small portion of the grass with each pass until the entire area has been cut.
• Collect the clippings to prevent thatch build-up and to maintain a neat appearance.
• Water the sod after cutting to promote root growth and encourage establishment.

When To Mow New Sod St Augustine

New St. Augustine sod should be mowed when it reaches a height of 3 to 4 inches, usually after 4 to 6 weeks. Before then, avoid cutting to allow the roots to establish. St. Augustine sod should be mowed using the following guidelines:

• Set the mower blade to a height of 3 to 4 inches.
• Mow in different directions to avoid creating tire tracks.
• Only remove 1/3 of the grass blade at a time.
• Leave clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil.
• Finally, keep the mower blade sharp to avoid damaging the grass.
• By following these guidelines, you can promote healthy growth and maintain a lush, green lawn.

How Long After Installing Sod Can You Walk On It

It is recommended to wait 2-3 days after installing sod before walking on it, regardless of the number of steps taken in the installation process. Here are nine steps for installing sod:

• Preparing the soil: remove existing grass, till the ground, and add any necessary amendments.
• Leveling the soil: create a smooth surface for the sod to be placed on.
• Measuring the area: determine the size of the site to be sodded and calculate the amount of sod needed.
• Marking the area: use a hose or string to outline where the sod will be placed.
• Cutting the sod: cut the sod to size using a sharp blade.
• Soaking the sod: water the sod thoroughly before installing it.
• Placing the sod: start at one corner of the area and place each piece of sod, butting the edges against each other.
• Staggering the seams: avoid having seams line up by weaving the edges of each piece of sod.
• Tamping the sod: use a sod roller to gently press down on the sod and ensure good soil-to-sod contact.

Conclusion On When To Cut New Sod:

The best time to cut new sod is during the growing season when the grass is actively growing, typically between late spring and early fall, depending on the climate and species of grass. Avoid cutting new sod during extreme weather conditions such as hot spells, drought, or freezes. This will give the new sod roots time to establish and grow into a healthy lawn. Allow a professional landscaping service such as Explore Landscaping to provide this service for you!