Sod is pre-grown grass harvested and rolled out onto prepared soil, offering an instantly green lawn. This transplanted grass is in shock and disconnected from its root system, requiring immediate and specific care to survive and establish itself. Proper sod care encourages the grass roots to knit quickly into the underlying native soil, forming a unified, healthy, and self-sustaining lawn. This requires moisture management, minimal disturbance, and targeted nutritional support.
Critical Care in the First Two Weeks
The initial two weeks following installation are the most critical for new sod survival, demanding constant saturation of the soil layer. Watering must begin immediately after the sod is laid, ideally within a half-hour, to prevent the roots from drying out. The objective is to keep the sod and the underlying top inch or two of native soil continuously moist, like a damp sponge, to facilitate shallow rooting.
This moisture is achieved through frequent, shallow watering sessions, often requiring two to four applications per day, depending on temperature and sun exposure. Watering multiple times daily for short durations, typically 10 to 15 minutes, prevents runoff while maintaining surface moisture. To check hydration, gently lift a corner of the sod; the soil underneath should be visibly dark and moist to a depth of three to four inches.
If the weather is hot, windy, or sunny, increase the frequency of watering to combat rapid evaporation. Areas along sidewalks, driveways, and buildings dry out faster due to reflected heat and may require targeted spot watering. Minimize all foot traffic during this phase, as walking on the soft, saturated sod can shift the pieces, break new root connections, and cause indentations.
Transitioning to Long-Term Maintenance
Around the third or fourth week, the maintenance strategy shifts from surface survival to encouraging deep, long-term root growth. The first step is verifying that the sod has rooted by performing a “tug test.” If the sod resists a gentle pull, indicating the roots are knitting into the soil, it is ready for the change in routine.
The watering schedule must transition from frequent, shallow applications to deep, infrequent soaking. Reducing the frequency to every other day or every three days forces the roots to grow deeper into the soil profile in search of moisture. Each watering session must be long enough to saturate the soil to a depth of six inches, which builds the root structure necessary for drought tolerance and durability.
The first mowing typically occurs when the grass blades reach three to four inches, usually two to three weeks post-installation. Ensure the ground is dry enough to support the mower without rutting the soil. Mower blades must be sharp for a clean cut, and the cutting height should be set high, removing no more than the top one-third of the blade to avoid stressing the turf.
Essential Nutritional Support
Providing the correct nutrients focuses on subterranean development rather than rapid blade growth. The most appropriate product is a starter fertilizer, specifically formulated to support root establishment. These fertilizers contain a high concentration of phosphorus, the middle number in the N-P-K ratio, often seen in ratios like 10-20-10 or 12-24-12.
Phosphorus plays a direct role in energy transfer and the development of robust root systems, which is necessary because the sod’s original roots were severed during harvest. This starter fertilizer is ideally applied to the native soil just before the sod is laid, or shortly after installation, ensuring the nutrients are immediately accessible. Applying high-nitrogen fertilizers should be avoided, as they stimulate top growth at the expense of root development needed for long-term health.
The next feeding is recommended four to six weeks later, once the sod is fully rooted. While a soil test is the best long-term method for determining nutrient deficiencies, the immediate application of a phosphorus-rich starter product provides the necessary boost for a successful root transition.
Diagnosing and Treating Common Problems
New sod exhibits several common signs of stress, usually pointing to issues with moisture management. The most frequent problem is the grass turning brown or developing wilted, limp blades, indicating insufficient water. This condition is fixed by spot-checking the moisture under the sod and increasing watering frequency until the underlying soil is saturated.
Conversely, overwatering leads to a soft, spongy feel underfoot and may cause fungal issues like brown patch, especially in humid conditions. Excessive moisture suffocates the roots, causing them to turn brown and soft, a sign of root rot. If a fungal issue is suspected, reduce watering frequency and apply a targeted fungicide.
Lifting or curling edges, particularly along seams, signals severe dehydration. These areas dry out quickly due to air exposure and may require hand-watering to ensure the edges are pressed firmly against the soil. Consistent monitoring of the sod’s appearance and underlying soil moisture is the best defense against these common establishment issues.