How Long Should I Wait to Mow After Laying New Sod?
If you’re laying new sod for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions about how to take care of it properly. When you spend up to thousands of dollars on a fresh, healthy new lawn, you want to do everything you can to keep it in its best shape possible.
One of the most common questions we get about new sod is “When can I mow it?”
New sod should only be mowed when it has established firm roots with the underlying ground, which can take up to 3 weeks, assuming there are no issues.
While we say 3 weeks as an average, remember that some sod varieties may take less or more time. The time until root establishment also depends heavily on external factors, such as the weather. If the weather has been unusually hot and dry, roots may be slower to grow. If the weather has been extra humid or rainy, fungus growth may inhibit proper sod establishment.
How Can I Tell if My Sod is Ready to Mow?
Checking for root establishment in new sod is quick and easy. Just grab a large chunk of grass blades (we’d suggest at the edge of the lawn or a corner) and pull straight up. If the grass releases easily from the underlying ground, the roots are not yet established enough to mow. If the grass holds firm, then you are ready to mow.
The First Mow
Once you’ve checked your new sod’s progress and are ready for that first mow, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. First, check for any raised areas where the sod has not fully settled down to the ground.
You’ll want to be extra careful not to scalp these areas when mowing (they will settle naturally as time goes on), so set your lawnmower blades high enough so that no more than 1/3 of the total height of the grass will be removed. Removing over 1/3 of the grass’s height could damage the grass blade’s crown, which can kill your sod. Remember, cutting your grass as short as possible doesn’t save you any time or lessen the frequency that your grass will need to be mowed, but it can cause devastating damage to your sod’s health.
Superior Sod in Tampa Bay
If you live in Tampa Bay and want the freshest, highest-quality sod available, trust the experts at Council Growers Sod. We grow our sod varieties right here on our farm in southern Hillsborough County and cut it fresh to order, delivering it right to your door on the day of your installation. No more buying dried-out sod that’s been sitting in a home improvement store for days! Call (813) 633-8665 or place your sod order online today!
