Laying new sod is the fastest way to get a lush, green lawn. However, fresh sod requires proper care to ensure it establishes strong roots and thrives in its new environment. Without the right maintenance, the sod can dry out, turn brown, or fail to take root.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for new sod, from watering to mowing and fertilization.
1. How to Water New Sod: The Key to Success
Watering your lawn is the most critical part of new sod care. Proper hydration ensures the sod roots establish themselves in the soil. Here’s a detailed watering schedule:
First two weeks (Days 1–14):
- Water immediately after installation.
- Keep the sod moist but not soaked. Water 2–4 times per day for short periods.
- Ensure even watering so that no section dries out.
- Avoid puddles, as overwatering can suffocate the roots.
Weeks 3–4:
- Gradually reduce the watering frequency to once per day.
- Increase the watering duration to encourage deeper root growth.
Week 5 and beyond:
- Water deeply and less frequently (2–3 times per week) to encourage deep-rooted grass.
- Adjust based on weather—more watering in hot, dry conditions and less during rainy periods.
Sod Grass FAQ: Why Is My New Sod Grass Turning Brown? – If your newly installed sod is turning brown, don’t panic—it’s a common issue that can often be corrected. The most likely causes include insufficient watering, heat stress, poor soil contact, or shock from transplanting.
New sod needs frequent watering, especially in Houston’s warm climate, to keep the roots hydrated while they establish. If the sod isn’t properly pressed into the soil, air pockets can cause sections to dry out and die back. Additionally, pet urine, fungal disease, or improper mowing height can contribute to browning. To revive struggling sod, adjust your watering schedule, ensure good soil contact, and avoid walking on it until roots have firmly taken hold.
💡 Pro Tip: If the issue persists, GQ Landscaping can assess your lawn and provide expert solutions to restore your grass to a healthy green! Late at night and early morning is the best time to water because it reduces evaporation and gives the grass time to absorb moisture before the heat of the day.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: Ensuring your new sod gets the right amount of water is crucial. GQ Landscaping in Houston specializes in irrigation installation and maintenance, helping homeowners set up smart sprinkler systems that provide consistent watering for optimal sod growth.
2. The First Mow for New Sod Grass: Timing & Technique
Mowing too soon can damage your new sod while waiting too long can make it difficult to cut properly. Follow these guidelines for a healthy first mow:
- Wait until the sod is at least 3–4 inches tall, typically around 2–3 weeks after installation.
- Use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing the grass.
- Set the mower height high (3 inches or more) to prevent cutting too short, which can stress the new grass.
- Never remove more than one-third of the grass blade height in a single mowing session.
- Avoid mowing when the grass is wet, as it can lead to uneven cuts and soil compaction.
💡 Pro Tip: Mow in a different direction each time to prevent soil compaction and promote upright growth.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance is essential. GQ Landscaping offers professional lawn care and mowing services, ensuring your new sod stays healthy and properly maintained without the hassle of doing it yourself.
3. Should You Fertilize New Grass: Feeding Your New Sod
New sod needs the right nutrients to establish strong roots and vibrant growth. Here’s a lawn fertilization schedule for your grass:
- Before laying sod: Apply a starter fertilizer rich in phosphorus to promote root development.
- After 4–6 weeks: Apply a balanced lawn fertilizer (such as 10-10-10 NPK) to encourage healthy growth.
- Every 6–8 weeks: Continue fertilizing based on your grass type and soil needs.
How Long Does it Take for Sod To Become Established & Rooted?
New sod typically takes about 2 to 3 weeks to establish shallow roots and 6 to 8 weeks to develop a deeper, more secure root system. During the first couple of weeks, the roots begin attaching to the soil, which is why frequent watering and minimal foot traffic are crucial.
By week 4, you can start reducing watering frequency to encourage deeper root growth. By weeks 6–8, the sod should be well-established, allowing for regular mowing, watering, and light foot traffic.
However, complete establishment, where the grass is as strong and durable as mature turf grass, can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the grass type, the time of year the sod is laid, weather conditions, and lawn care maintenance practices.
💡 Pro Tip: Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in the first month, as they can promote excessive top growth before the roots are fully established.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: Fertilizing at the right time with the right products can be tricky. GQ Landscaping provides customized fertilization plans that deliver essential nutrients based on your lawn’s specific needs, ensuring long-term health and growth.
4. Avoid Heavy Traffic Over newly Installed Grass
New sod is delicate and needs time to take root. To prevent damage:
- Limit foot traffic for at least 2–3 weeks.
- Keep pets, children, and heavy equipment off the lawn.
- Use walkway boards if you need to cross the lawn frequently.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: If you want expert guidance on protecting your new sod, GQ Landscaping can assess your lawn’s condition and provide maintenance tips to prevent damage while it establishes strong roots.
5. Weed & Pest Control For New Sod
Weeds and pests can quickly invade new sod if left unchecked. Follow these tips:
- Avoid herbicides for at least 6 weeks after installation, as they can stress new grass.
- Hand-pull any visible weeds to prevent them from spreading.
- Keep an eye out for pests like grubs and sod webworms, which can damage new grass. If you notice signs of infestation (yellow patches, holes, or loose sod), consider using a lawn-safe pesticide.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: GQ Landscaping offers professional weed and pest control services, ensuring your lawn stays weed-free and protected against common lawn pests without the need for harsh chemicals that may harm your sod.
6. Post-Install Soil Aeration & Root Establishment
Lawn aeration helps improve soil oxygen levels and encourages deeper root growth:
- Wait at least 6 months before aerating new sod.
- Use a core aerator in the fall or spring to loosen compacted soil and enhance water absorption.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: Compacted soil can prevent sod from thriving. GQ Landscaping provides lawn aeration services to help improve root development, enhance water absorption, and boost overall lawn health.
7. Long-Term Lawn Care & Maintenance
Once your sod is well-established, maintain a healthy lawn by:
- Mowing regularly at the recommended height.
- Watering deeply but infrequently.
- Fertilizing seasonally for optimal health.
- Keeping an eye out for weeds, pests, and diseases.
👉 How GQ Landscaping Can Help: Maintaining a beautiful lawn requires ongoing care. GQ Landscaping offers comprehensive long-term lawn care services, including seasonal maintenance, fertilization, irrigation management, and expert lawn treatments, ensuring your grass remains healthy year-round.
You Can Achieve The Perfect Lawn Right Here in Houston, TX!
Properly nurturing and caring for new sod requires effort, but the reward is a thick, green, and long-lasting lawn!
With proper watering, careful mowing, balanced fertilization, and avoiding traffic damage until the roots are well established, your sod will transform into a beautiful, healthy lawn that you can enjoy for years to come.
Need expert help with your lawn care? Contact GQ Landscaping in Houston today at 346-345-3337 for professional installation, care, irrigation, maintenance, and much more!
