If you have just installed a new sod lawn, you will want to make sure you take care of it properly to grow healthy and lush. One of the most important things to do is to mow it regularly. But when is the best time to start mowing? And how often should you mow it?
Contents
When to Mow New Sod for the First Time
It is essential to mow new sod for the first time as soon as it is laid. Cutting it before it is fully rooted can damage the sod and make it challenging to take hold. Once the sod is fully rooted, usually 7-10 days after installation, it can be mowed at the recommended height for the type of grass. Find out more about what happens if you mow sod too soon.
Things to do before mowing sod for the first time
You need to do a few things before mowing new sod for the first time. Make sure the soil is wet enough by checking the ground with your finger. If the top layer is wet, it is moist enough. Suppose the soil is dry. Water the lawn for an hour. Once the ground is wet, apply a starter fertilizer. Follow the directions on the package. Don’t mow the lawn for at least three weeks or until the deep roots have taken hold.
Prepare the mowing equipment.
If you’re new to lawn care, one of the first things you’ll need to learn is how to mow sod. Sod is a type of lawn grown in strips and then installed like tiles. It can be used to repair or replace an existing lawn or create a new lawn. To prepare the mowing equipment for sod, you’ll need to adjust the mowing height of the blade. The size should be set to the lowest setting to avoid scalping the new sod.
When to Mow New Sod Again
Mowing is an essential part of taking care of your new sod. You should wait to mow your new sod for the first time until it has been fully established, which usually takes about two to four weeks. After that, you should mow it at least once a week to keep it looking neat. Be sure to use a sharp blade on your mower, and don’t forget to trim around any obstacles, like trees or sidewalks.
Which Direction to Mow New Sod
If you have recently installed new sod, you will want to start mowing it as soon as it is dry enough not to damage the grass. Mowing too soon can damage the grass and inhibit its growth. Each time, be sure to mow in the same direction to create a friendly, even lawn. Water new sod regularly, following the instructions on the package. Fertilize new sod twice a month for the first two months, then once a month after that.
What happens if you cut sod too short?
If you cut the sod too short, you will damage the plants, and they will not grow correctly. You should wait until the new sod is at least 3 inches tall before you begin to mow it.
When to Fertilize New Sod
If you have just installed new sod, it is essential to water it regularly and fertilize it according to the instructions on the fertilizer package. Most fertilizers recommend applying the fertilizer once a week for the first month, then once a month for the next two months. After that, you can fertilize the lawn every three to four months. Be sure to read the instructions on the package, as the amount of fertilizer to apply will vary depending on the type of fertilizer you are using.
When to fertilize new sod is dependent on what type of fertilizer you are using. If you use a balanced fertilizer, you can apply it as soon as the sod is installed. If you use a nitrogen-only fertilizer, wait two to four weeks before applying it.
What direction to mow new sod also depends on the fertilizer you are using. If you use a balanced fertilizer, you can cut in any order. If you are using a nitrogen-only fertilizer, you should mow in the same direction that the sod was installed.
Mowing new sod can be done with a bagger or a mulcher. If you are using a bagger, make sure the bag is full before emptying it. If you use a mulcher, make sure the mulching blades are sharp.
Mowing new sod is critical to ensure that the grass establishes a robust root system. It is best to wait at least two weeks after installation before mowing. Make sure to raise the mowing height to at least 3 inches and do not mow more than one-third of the blade height at a time.
