How to Lay Sod
May 18, 2020
“I always thought a yard was three feet, then I started mowing the lawn.”
Lettie Cowman
An ordinary person believes that his new sod must be mown as soon as the watering part is done; it is a widely popular misconception and moreover, you would not be an ordinary person once you go through this comprehensive guide clarifying your doubts regarding when to mow the new grass.
Mowing your new sod is the best thing to do especially during the growing season to keep your lawn well-groomed and maintained.
- THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE MOWING NEW GRASS
- Watering before Mowing
Before you cut recently planted grass fourteen days post-establishment, you have to ensure that it remains satisfactorily watered. The watering should begin directly after establishment and ought to be done three-five times each day for the initial fourteen days. Ascertain that you water the grass up to a profundity of four-six inches to keep the lawn enough moist and elastic. You can decide if you’ve watered to the suitable profundity by lifting up the side of a solitary turf.
On a related note, you should cut the turf when the temperature is moderately cool. This will empower the grass to encounter quickened development contrasted with being cut during the blistering climate. On the off chance that it’s hot, you can simply allow it to develop with the goal that the new crowns will have some shade.
Prevent foot traffic
Another essential consideration tip for recently sodded lawns is to abstain from stepping on the lawn to give it an opportunity to flourish. Strolling on the lawn while it’s as yet supple will leave behind depressions, bringing about lop-sided development and an unattractive lawn.
When to Mow New Grass
You’re not the only one; most of the homeowners wonder, ‘How long should I wait before mowing my grass?’
First of all, following a routine mowing schedule is of high importance shortly after your new sod is installed and implanted. Subsequently, depending on the speed of the growth of your lawn, your first mow should be performed within 10 to 14 days of the sod installation so that the roots to grow and become strong in the ground during this time period.
You can determine this by pulling out and feeling any area of the sod to look for any signs of resistance. If there are, then you should bring out your lawnmower.
Mowing Height for New Grass
You should mow your newly sodded lawn at a height that is appropriate enough to leave behind a substantial leaf surface area for facilitating the photosynthesis process for the grass. Certain aspects which determine the ability of perennial grass to maintain photosynthetic production through mowing cycles keeping in mind the turf grasses’ tolerance to low mowing heights are as follows:
- How long are the internodes?
- How many rhizomes and stolons does the sod have?
- How many basal buds does the sod have?
When you actually begin to cut the grass, you should keep the mowing height somewhat higher than you usually would. Moreover, you should not wait for too long as your lawn might receive excessive shade leading to blade widening. The first mow should be done with the lawnmower set to its highest possible setting, and later on, you can lower its setting with each mow to a height of 2 inches.
Different mowing heights for different grasses
Determining the correct mowing height will make your lawn grow thicker and denser, preventing rough patches and weed competition.
Different mowing heights are recommended for different grass species depending upon their length and quantity for every turf.
For example, the Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescues are unable to produce sizeable leaf mass when cutting at very low heights, thus they should be mowed at about 1.5-2 inches while they’re still new sod.
Whereas the bunch-type sods like Tall fescues and ryegrass that are known to produce just enough leaf mass should be mowed at the heights of around 2-3 inches of the new sod.
- SCHEDULE FOR MOWING NEW GRASS
- Initial 7 DAYS
In the event that you need to give the new sod an opportunity, you will need to ensure your sod and soil are not dry so that they can long this week. Contingent upon the season and what atmosphere you are in, you may need to do plenty of water. When watering, you should be certain the zone is getting totally soaked. Poke a spike or screwdriver into the new soil to guarantee that you are watering enough. The water needs to arrive at the soil underneath the sod. On the off chance that the water isn’t infiltrating down enough, you will begin to see enormous holes between the moves of sod; this implies your sod is beginning to shrink. The primary indication of shrinkage is the edges or the rolls will begin to turn yellow.
As the sod dries out from the late spring heat, the topsoil will keep up its moisture. The sod’s rooting system will search out the moisture, growing further into the soil to get the water. On the off chance that the sod is getting to much water, it will really keep the roots from forming into the soil. We call this ruining as the sod has no drive to make a profound root system since it is getting all that it needs where it is!
7-13 DAYS
The root system ought to be beginning to set up itself now. Delicately draw at an edge of the sod in a few spots to check. The lawn could be hard to pull up so don’t drive it. You can decrease to once every day toward the beginning of the day. Once more, it is essential to ensure the water is hitting the soil underneath the moves of sod. In the event that your lawn comes up genuinely simple, it could mean a couple of various things. In the event that it is as yet a decent lushes green, it could mean it is being overwatered and is being spoilt. In the event that parts are yellowing, it could mean you are under watering or the sod has been laid in a concealed region and will require uncommon consideration. It is significant during this opportunity to call us if the sod isn’t appropriately rooting. We can help analyze what’s going on and offer arrangements.
14-21 DAYS
Expecting your sod is all around rooted, you will have the option to diminish your watering to each other day. Now, it is additionally protected to cut the lawn. Before cutting, go for a stroll along your lawn to pull up any weeds. Set your cutting edge to the most elevated setting accessible. Try not to cut more than 33% of the grass while cutting, for instance, if your grass is 4″ don’t cut lower than 2.8″. During this period, you will need to keep your lawn at around 2 ½”- 3″. Make a point to expel all yard clippings; don’t leave any bunches on your lawn. This will shut out the sun and make a cover, making it harder for new sod to develop.
Regular Monthly Maintenance
Your lawn ought to be genuinely settled now, so it will have the option to deal with typical mileage. You can water your lawn 2-3 times each week, contingent upon the weather. You will at present need to ensure you are applying enough water. On the off chance that you notice regions that are inconsistent, you might need to topdress, apply fertilizers and seed. You can even apply nematodes thrice a year to kill off any new grubs.
MORE MOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
- It’s crucial to never remove more than 1/3rd of the length of the grass blades while mowing them.
- Lawn professional recommend constant sharpening the blades of your lawnmower to prevent bruising and tearing of the grass.
- Mowing your new grass weekly becomes very all-important especially during the growing season.
Those with a green thumb work diligently to make sure that their new sod is visually appealing and enhances the beauty of their lawn. We are sure that this guide helped you in developing a green thumb.
“Somewhere, a long way away, people are doing sensible things like mowing lawns and digging gardens.”
― Michael Palin
