How to Care for New Sod: A Complete Guide

Why New Sod Needs Special Care

Think of fresh sod like a new investment. It’s not yet rooted, it’s easily stressed, and if ignored, it can dry out or develop disease. You’ve paid for installation—now it’s time to make sure it thrives. The key is consistency. From watering schedules to mowing height, every step helps your new lawn build strong roots and become self-sustaining.

Step 1: Master the Art of Watering New Sod

Watering is the most important step in any sod maintenance plan. Without enough moisture, the roots won’t develop. Too much water, and you could promote fungus or root rot. Here’s exactly how to water based on the season your sod was installed:

Spring & Fall

• Water thoroughly after installation so the soil is moist 3–4 inches deep.
• After that, water three days a week, 15–20 minutes per session.
• Use a sprinkler system or hose-end sprinkler for even coverage.
• Always water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.

Summer

• Week 1–2: Water three times a day (morning, midday, late afternoon) for 15–20 minutes.
• Week 3–4: Cut back to once daily, extending sessions to 20–30 minutes.
• Week 5+: Transition to watering 2–3 times a week, aiming for 1.25 inches of water weekly.
• In temps over 90°F, watch for wilting or dry patches and adjust accordingly.

Winter

• Water deeply right after installation.
• Then water only when needed—skip watering during freezing temps to avoid ice damage.

Quick Tip: Lift a corner of the sod. If the soil underneath is dry, it’s time to water. If it’s soggy, cut back. For more consistency, consider our irrigation maintenance services.

Step 2: Know When—and How—to Mow

Many homeowners ask: When can I mow new sod? The answer depends on growth. Wait until the grass is about 50% taller than your target mowing height.

For example, if you want a 2-inch lawn, don’t mow until it reaches 3 inches.

Recommended Mowing Heights:

• Bermuda: 1–2 inches
• Zoysia: 1.5–2.5 inches
• Centipede: 1–2 inches
• St. Augustine: 2.5–4 inches

Mowing Best Practices:

• Use a sharp mower blade for clean cuts.
• Mow when the lawn is dry to avoid turf damage.
• Follow the “1/3 rule”—never cut more than one-third of the grass height.
• Leave clippings on the lawn unless they clump. They decompose and return nutrients, reducing your fertilizer needs by up to 30%.

Need help staying on a schedule? Learn more about our professional lawn mowing service.

Step 3: Feed Your Sod the Right Fertilizer

Fertilization is essential to keep your new lawn growing strong. But timing and product selection matter—a lot.

Here’s a breakdown based on your turf type:

Centipede & St. Augustine:

• May–early June: Use a 15-0-15 fertilizer at 0.5–1 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.
• Mid-June–mid-July: Apply a second round of 15-0-15.
• After mid-July: No additional fertilizer needed.

Bermuda & Zoysia:

• May–early June: Use a 22-0-12 fertilizer at 1 lb. nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft.
• Mid-June–mid-July: Repeat application to fuel growth.
• Late July–mid-August: Apply one final round for late-summer strength.

   

If you’re unsure what fertilizer is right, our team can help you choose and apply the best option. Visit our fertilization services page to learn more.

Step 4: Stop Lawn Disease Before It Starts

New sod is tender—and that makes it more susceptible to fungal disease. This is especially true in spring and fall when humidity is high and the lawn is still establishing.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid overwatering.
• Water early in the morning to let the grass dry out before evening.
• Consider applying a fungicide if your lawn has had past disease issues.

Always read the label carefully. Some products aren’t safe for newly laid sod or require a waiting period after installation.

For more expert help with treatment and prevention, visit our lawn treatment service.

Step 5: Protect Your Sod from Lawn-Damaging Insects

Because new sod is full of moisture, it attracts pests. Chinch bugs, mole crickets, armyworms, and grubs can move in quickly and destroy young turf before it roots.

What You Can Do:

• Watch closely for signs of insect damage (brown patches, thinning).
• Apply insecticide if pests are common in your area.
• Follow label instructions to ensure it’s safe for sod.

   

If you’re not sure whether you need treatment, our lawn care professionals can inspect your yard and create a customized plan.

Step 6: When to Use Weed Control

It’s totally normal for a few weeds to pop up after installation. Sod farms focus on root development—not weed control—so don’t panic.

However, don’t be too quick to spray.

Weed Control Timing:

• Wait until the sod is fully rooted and mowed at least twice before using post-emergent herbicides.
• Avoid pre-emergent herbicides early on unless the label says it’s safe for new sod.

Always read the label before using any herbicide to ensure it’s compatible with your grass type and safe for fresh sod. We offer professional weed control services that follow these guidelines to the letter.

Step 7: What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

Caring for new sod isn’t just about the “how”—it’s also about understanding the timeline.

Week-by-Week Progress:

• Week 1–2: Sod may look uneven or yellow. This is normal. Just monitor water and avoid foot traffic.
• Week 3–4: Roots start growing. You can usually mow by now if the grass is tall enough.
• Week 5+: The lawn should begin blending in with your yard. Resume a normal lawn care schedule with mowing, watering, and fertilizing as needed.

Some homeowners expect instant results, but sod is a living plant—it needs time. Be patient, stay consistent, and let us handle the maintenance for you.

Conclusion: A Healthy Lawn Starts with the Right Care

Now that you know how to care for new sod, the rest is up to you. Follow the right watering schedule, mow properly, fertilize with care, and watch for pests and disease. It’s not complicated, but it does take commitment.

If you’re ever unsure or want expert help maintaining your new lawn, Vinedresser Lawn & Landscape is here for you. We treat your yard like it’s our own, and we’ll make sure it looks as good—or better—than you imagined.