When it comes to caring for your lawn fresh off a new sod installation, there are a few best practices that are recommended to mow new sod in a manner that promotes maximum growth. The following guide will walk you through everything you need to know about mowing your new lawn and how long to cut grass after sodding.
When can I mow my new sod?
It’s recommended that you leave your lawn untouched for the first two weeks. At this time, it could be safe to mow, but you should test the roots by gently tugging on the sod. There should be small white roots in place that prevent you from easily lifting the sod off the ground. If the roots have started to develop, it is safe to mow.
But if not, it’s best to wait a few days. Set your mower to the highest height setting and you’re good to go. If at any time you notice the mower is pulling up the sod, stop mowing immediately as this is a sign that the roots aren’t sufficiently in place.
How do I mow my new sod?
When the roots are finally in place and it is time to mow, make sure to keep the mower set at the highest level possible.
This way, you only cut the tips of the grass blades. This encourages lateral growth of the lawn. Over time, this will cause the individual pieces of grass to join together, creating one seamless surface of sod.
Mowing Height for New Sod
You should keep the new sod at a height that has enough surface area to effectively achieve photosynthesis. The following chart is a good guide to refer to when mowing heights with different types of sod.
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1.5-2 inches |
| Fine & Tall fescues | 1.5-4 inches |
| Zoysia | .5-3 inches |
| Bermuda | .5-2.5 inches |
| Bahia | 2.5-4 inches |
| St. Augustine | 1.5-2 inches |
| Centipede | 1-2.5 inches |
| Ryegrass | .75-2.5 inches |
Care Tips Before Mowing Newly Planted Sod
If you follow these steps, you can expect quick and strong root development.
Fertilize before mowing – it’s important to fertilize newly installed sod. This ensures the lawn gets the necessary nutrients that promote healthy growth.
Water ahead of mowing – it’s important to begin watering your fresh sod immediately after installation on a schedule of 3-5 times a day for the first two weeks.
Avoid foot traffic – walking on the lawn before the roots have developed will leave depressions in the sod which leads to uneven growth so its’ best to avoid walking on your new sod.
Water heavy in summer months – if you’re installing your new sod in the summer months, make sure to ramp up the watering schedule from the recommended 3-5 times a day.
Benefits of Mowing Your Newly Planted Lawn
Mowing your lawn causes the leaves that create photosynthesis to fall off. Cutting these off forces the remaining sod to regrow new leaves while also sprouting additional ones. This increases the density of the turf and leads to a robust root system.
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It’s important to know when to cut grass after sodding. And there’s a reason people in Toronto and the GTA turn to Sodding GTA for all of their lawn maintenance needs. Call today and turn your lawn into the envy of the neighbourhood!