When to Mow New Sod

Newly installed sod instantly brings green, lush grass to your yard. But it requires special care and attention in the first few months to make sure it grows into a healthy lawn.

One of the biggest factors that can make or break the quality of your new lawn is knowing how long to wait before mowing sod for the first time. When should you cut new sod to help it grow, and what mistakes should you avoid?

Keep reading — our experienced team at Mowrator will break down when to mow new sod for the best results and how to care for it after the first mowing.

Key Takeaways

• Mow new sod 2 to 3 weeks after installation.
• Wait for the grass to be 3 to 4 inches tall with roots established, to avoid damaging the grass and roots.
• Use a push mower with sharp blades set at 6 to 7 cm for the first mowing. To prevent soil compaction and damage, do not use heavy riding mowers and limit foot traffic.
• Gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing depth to encourage deep root growth.
• Hand-pull weeds and use safe herbicides sparingly. Monitor for pests and use organic control methods to protect the new grass.

What is New Sod?

New sod, also known as turf or turfgrass, is pre-grown grass that’s harvested and rolled out like a carpet for instant lawn coverage. It comes with roots and a thin layer of soil, and it’s designed to be laid down on bare ground to establish roots and create a beautiful lawn quickly.

Sod installation provides an immediate green space. It reduces soil erosion and offers an instant visual appeal compared to seeding, which takes longer to grow and establish.

Why does New Sod Need to be Treated Differently?

New sod needs special care to help establish its roots in the new soil. Freshly laid sod is vulnerable because it hasn’t yet developed a strong root system to absorb water and nutrients efficiently. It needs to be treated with extra care to give it the space to grow properly.

Why is Timing the First Mow So Important?

Timing the first mow of the season properly is important to keep your lawn healthy and looking luxuriant. Mowing too early can damage new growth and stress the grass. This can lead to weak and patchy areas.

It’s important to wait until the grass has grown enough to withstand cutting, which is usually at least 7 to 8 cm tall. This allows the roots to establish well and the grass to develop a strong base. Proper timing also helps prevent weeds from taking over, as well-timed mowing can discourage their growth.

When to Mow New Sod for the First Time

On average, the ideal time to mow new sod is 2 to 3 weeks after installing it. This is generally how long it takes for the roots to establish, but it can vary depending on the grass type, weather conditions, and soil quality.

Signs That New Sod is Ready for Mowing

To check if your new sod is ready for mowing, look for these signs:

1. Root Development: Gently tug on a piece of sod. If you feel resistance, the roots have started to establish and your new sod can be mowed for the first time.
2. Grass Height: The grass should be about 3 to 4 inches (roughly 8 to 10 cm) tall when you first mow your lawn. This height indicates that it’s strong enough to withstand mowing.
3. Color and Health: The new sod lawn should be a vibrant green color with no yellowing or wilting.

Risks of Mowing Sod Too Early

Mowing sod too soon after installation can lead to several problems that can damage your new lawn. Understanding these risks can help you maintain a healthy and lush lawn.

• Damage Root Systems: New sod needs time to establish strong roots that anchor it to the soil. If you mow too soon, you may disrupt these developing roots.
• Uneven Growth and Scalping: Scalping occurs when the mower blades cut too low, removing too much of the grass blade. This can stress the grass and expose the soil.
• Vulnerability to Pests and Diseases: The stress caused by premature mowing can weaken the grass, leaving it open to attacks from insects and infections from various lawn diseases.
• Poor Aesthetic Appeal: A lawn mowed too early can look uneven and unattractive. Premature mowing can lead to patchy, thin grass.
• Soil Compaction: Using heavy lawn mowers on new sod can compact the soil. This will interfere with root growth, drainage, and nutrition.

First New Sod Mowing: Preparations

Mowing your sod for the first time needs a bit of preparation. Plan ahead and when your sod is ready to be mowed, you’ll be ready to do it right.

Best Equipment for Mowing New Sod

• A push mower with sharp blades is ideal because it provides a clean cut without tearing the grass.
• Lightweight reel mowers are another excellent option, as they're gentle on the delicate new sod.
• Heavy riding mowers can compact the soil and damage the young roots.
• A battery-operated mower like the Mowrator S1 would be a good choice once your sod has settled.

1. Set Up Your Mower

Make sure your mower is set up correctly. To mow for the first time, set your mower blade height to around 6 to 7 cm to keep from cutting the grass too short. Make sure to sharpen the mower blades to avoid ripping the grass. Ripped grass can lead to disease and stress.

2. Techniques for Mowing New Sod

When mowing new sod, try to mow in different directions each time to promote even growth and prevent soil compaction. Avoid sudden movements that could disturb the sod.

3. Post-Mowing Care for New Sod

After mowing, give your new sod the care it needs to thrive. Continue with regular maintenance to encourage deep root growth and a lush, green lawn.

After mowing, give your new sod the care it needs to thrive. Continue with regular maintenance to encourage deep root growth and a lush, green lawn.

Adjust Watering Practices

Initially, sod needs light watering fairly often to keep the topsoil moist. After mowing, gradually reduce your watering frequency but increase the depth of watering to encourage roots to grow deeper. Watering early in the morning is a good idea to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.

Limit Foot Traffic

Walking on freshly laid sod can compact the soil and damage the young roots. Try to keep off the lawn as much as possible during the first few weeks. Create temporary pathways to minimize damage and allow the sod to establish properly.

Ongoing Sod Care After the First Mowing

Invest time in ongoing lawn care to keep your sod healthy over time. If you’ve timed your first mowing correctly, your sod should be healthy and flourishing for a long time to come, as long as you look after it!

Lower Mower Height

As your new sod matures, gradually lower the mowing height over the next few months. The ideal height is usually around 2.5 to 4 cm for most lawn types. Always make sure your mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing or ripping the grass.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance includes consistent mowing, watering, inspecting for pests, and fertilizing. Aerating your lawn once or twice a year helps reduce soil compaction and allows water, nutrients, and air to reach the roots more effectively.

Manage Weeds and Pests

Weeds and pests can quickly invade new sod if not managed properly. Hand-pulling weeds is the safest method in the beginning, as new sod is still establishing its roots.

Safe Application of Herbicides

Choose products labeled as safe for new lawns. Don’t apply herbicides during extreme temperatures or droughts, as this can stress the grass even further. Spot-treating weeds instead of applying herbicides to the entire lawn can also minimize chemical exposure and reduce the risk of damage.

Pest Control Measures

Keep an eye out for any signs of damage, like brown patches or chewed blades. Organic or natural pest control methods can be effective without harming the new grass. Introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs, can also naturally reduce pest populations.

Are you installing new sod in your lawn? Contact Mowrator to get advice on how and when to mow your new sod. Our experienced team is ready to help!

When to Mow New Sod FAQs

Can a Riding Mower be Used on New Sod?

No, heavy equipment like a riding mower can damage the fragile root system. It’s best to use a lightweight push mower with sharp blades for the first few mowings.

When is the Best Time to Install New Sod?

Spring and early autumn are ideal times to install new sod. Temperatures are moderate, and there’s adequate rainfall to support root establishment. The extreme heat of summer or the cold of winter can stress the grass and slow down the rooting process.

How Often Should I Water Fresh Sod?

Here’s a schedule for how often to water fresh sod so it thrives:

• Daily for the first week
• Every other day during the second week
• More often during hot and dry conditions
• Adopt a regular watering schedule after 4 to 6 weeks.

To broaden your understanding, consider perusing these connected articles When to Mow After Overseeding.

Back to Top: When to Mow New Sod