Sod provides an immediate, mature lawn, but the rolls of turf are extremely fragile immediately following installation. The grass roots are severed from their original soil and must quickly establish themselves in the new environment to survive. This transition period requires specific, intensive care to ensure the root system successfully anchors into the underlying soil. Proper initial attention is necessary for the long-term health of the new turf.
The Critical First Weeks: Watering Regimen
The most important task during the first 10 to 14 days is keeping the sod and the soil directly beneath it consistently moist. Since new sod has only shallow roots, it cannot draw moisture from deep in the ground yet. This initial phase requires frequent, light watering, often two to four times daily, to saturate the top few inches of the soil. The goal is to make the sod feel like a damp sponge, providing the humidity necessary for new root growth.
Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal disease by allowing the grass blades to dry before evening. To check the moisture level, gently lift a corner of the sod or use a probe like a screwdriver in a few different spots. The soil should be damp for at least the top three to four inches; if the probe comes out dry, more water is required. Overwatering is detrimental, as soggy soil prevents oxygen from reaching the forming roots, which can lead to rot.
After the first two weeks, shift the watering regimen to encourage deeper root development. The frequency of watering should be significantly reduced, but the duration of each session must be increased. Watering less often forces the roots to grow downward into the native soil to seek out deeper moisture. The new schedule should aim for a deep soaking, ensuring the water penetrates six inches or more into the soil.
Establishing Roots: Avoiding Disturbance and Checking Progress
The sod is vulnerable to physical stress during the initial rooting phase, which typically takes between two and six weeks. Foot traffic, pets, or heavy equipment should be avoided for the first two weeks to prevent crushing the new root hairs. Walking on the sod too soon can create depressions and compact the soil, restricting the flow of air and water necessary for root establishment. Only light traffic should be permitted after two weeks, and heavy activity must be postponed until the turf is fully rooted.
Monitoring the progress of the roots is straightforward and should begin around day 10 to 14. Select a few random spots and gently try to lift the edge of the sod. If the sod resists lifting and feels anchored to the ground, it indicates that new roots have successfully grown into the soil beneath. This physical resistance confirms that the shallow root system is starting to knit the turf to the soil base.
If the sod lifts easily, it has not rooted sufficiently, and the restricted traffic period must be extended. Poor root establishment may signal inadequate soil contact, which can be improved by lightly rolling the area or ensuring the seams of the sod are tight. The turf is considered fully rooted when it is difficult to lift any corner, usually around four to six weeks post-installation.
First Mowing and Feeding
The first mowing should not occur until the sod has established a firm connection with the soil. While waiting approximately 14 days is a general guideline, the gentle tug test is the definitive confirmation that the roots are strong enough to withstand the stress of mowing. Mowing too early can cause the sod to tear, shift, or be pulled up, damaging the fragile root system. The ground must also be completely dry when mowing to prevent the weight of the equipment from creating ruts.
When it is time for the inaugural cut, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height. This prevents “scalping,” which stresses the grass and reduces its ability to perform photosynthesis. Set the mower to its highest setting, often between 2.5 and 3 inches, to ensure a high cut. A sharp blade is necessary to make a clean cut rather than tearing the tender new grass blades.
Fertilization follows successful root establishment. Wait four to six weeks after installation before applying any fertilizer. This delay allows the grass to focus its energy on establishing a robust root system before being stimulated for shoot growth. The first application should be a starter fertilizer, which is formulated to be higher in phosphorus to promote the development of deep, strong roots.