Congratulations on your beautiful new lawn! 🌱
There’s nothing like seeing that fresh, green space transform your outdoors, but your sod’s journey is just beginning. The next few weeks are critical to help your lawn root and thrive.
Whether you installed the sod yourself or had the Mountainview crew take care of it, let’s walk you through everything you need to know to protect your new sod during its most vulnerable stage.
Let’s get growing!
Your First Four Weeks with New Sod
Week 1: Soak it in
Fresh sod is perishable, it needs water right away to survive and take root. Ideally, you should begin watering within 30 minutes of installation. The goal is to fully saturate the sod and the soil underneath so that moisture reaches the entire root layer.
Watering Tips:
- Water twice a day, once in the early morning and again in the late afternoon
- Pay extra attention to edges, corners, and areas near buildings, which tend to dry out faster
- Avoid watering late in the evening, as excess moisture overnight can increase the risk of disease or fungus
Use this trick:
After watering, gently lift the flap of one of the sod rolls.
If the soil underneath is soft, muddy, and fully saturated, you’ve done it right, the water has soaked all the way through the sod’s root layer and into the soil below. This is the best way to check that your sod has received enough water, since soil types and weather conditions can vary widely.
Limit traffic for the first 2–3 weeks. Keep foot traffic, pets, and playtime off your new lawn while the roots establish. Even light use can damage sod before it’s fully anchored.
Weeks 2-3: Establishment Mode
You’ll start to notice your sod settling in. That’s the root system beginning to grow into the soil beneath.
- Watering Routine:
- Reduce watering to once daily
Adjust based on heat, wind, and rainfall. Always ensure the top few inches of soil remain moist
Time for the first mow!
Test your sod by gently lifting a corner. If it resists, it’s rooted. When the grass is about 3 inches tall, use a walk-behind mower with a sharp blade. Set it to a height of 2 to 2.5 inches, and never cut more than one-third of the blade height in one go.
Mountainview Tip:
Mow across the pattern of sod installation for best results, and switch up your mowing direction each time to encourage upright growth.
Weeks 4 and Beyond: Build a Resilient Lawn
Now’s the time to help your lawn grow deep with strong roots.
Watering Strategy:
- Switch to deep, infrequent watering (about 1 to 1.5 inches weekly)
- Water 2-3 times per week in longer sessions to train roots to grow deeper
- Early morning is still the best time to water
Fertilizing:
Apply your first round of seasonal slow-release fertilizer around 4-6 weeks after installation, depending on whether a starter fertilizer was used at installation. Fertilizing supports growth and colour, especially heading into heat or drought.
Mountainview Tip:
Fertilize 3-4 times during the growing season.
Long-Term Tips
- Watch for brown patches. They often indicate under-watering or heat stress, not necessarily sod failure
- Keep mower blades sharp
- Don’t mow too short
- Don’t panic if your sod turns slightly yellow in extreme heat. It can bounce back with proper watering and care
By the end of the first month, your sod should be ready for barbeques, backyard games, and bare feet. Just remember, the first season is about establishment. Give it what it needs now, and it’ll reward you for years to come.
Need Supplies or Support?
If you need quality products, our team is just a call or visit away. With decades of hands-on experience and generational expertise, we’re happy to help you choose the right products and approach for your lawn.
