You should always wait at least 2 weeks before you mow new sod to get the perfect cut quality without destroying your turf. New sod is an excellent way to get that gorgeous green you've always wanted, but mowing it after installation requires that you follow several important steps before committing mower blades to your grass. Our team at Mowrator have written up a guide to help you understand what sod is, how long to wait to cut new sod, and everything else you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Sod is the term used for grass and soil turf that is laid for gardening and landscaping projects to quickly create a green lawn.
- Always wait at least two weeks before you mow your new sod.
- You can test if your new sod is ready to mow by tugging your sod to see if it has established roots.
- Avoid watering your sod the day before you mow and set your lawn mower's blades to the highest setting.
What is Sod?
Sod is the term used for the upper layer of soil that contains the grass tufts and roots. It's also known as turf, and is commonly used in gardening and landscaping to quickly create a green and verdant lawn. Sod is an incredibly common way to establish a new lawn, with at least 1,400 sod farms in the USA harvesting acres of sod today.
When Should I Mow My New Sod?
You should mow new sod only two weeks after the initial sod installation. Although, one way to check if you should mow your sod is by giving the new turf a tug after the two weeks. If the new grass has established and taken root (it should offer a firm resistance) then your new sod is ready to be mowed for the first time.
New sod can be mowed only after it's established, otherwise you'll risk killing your installed sod. Those two weeks are how long sod needs time to establish, although this can vary based on your fertilisation, time of year, and the climate conditions.
What are the Steps to take Before you use a Mower to Cut New Sod?
Before you've mowed for the first time, you should complete the following steps:
- Stop Watering The Day Before You Plan To Mow Your Lawn. You should aim to water your sod regularly to encourage the roots to take root. Set up an irrigation system to foster new growth, although you don't over water your grass. Do not water your sod the day it is ready to be mowed to ensure the soil is dry enough to hold up the weight of your mower.
- Set Your Lawn Mower Blades To The Highest Setting. When you start your first mow, set your lawn mower's blades to the highest setting. Mowing new sod is precarious, and you want to cut as little as you can to prevent your grass from becoming stressed as they establish roots. Use the lawn care rule of thirds: never cut more than a third of your grass at a time.
- Don't Wait Too Long Before You Mow. While waiting for your time to mow is crucial, do not wait weeks or months longer than necessary. Depending on the type of grass, you may be faced with an overgrown mess that's a nightmare to mow.
What are Common Mistakes when Mowing New Sod for the First Time?
Some common mistakes that you may encounter when mowing new sod for the first time include:
- Mowing your lawn too soon.
- Cutting your grass too short.
- Mowing wet grass.
- Using improper (dull) lawn mower blades.
- Mowing on overwatered soil.
Mowrator's S1 Remote Control Lawn Mower 4WD offers a 1.5 to 4.3 inches of adjustable height that lets you set your mower to the perfect setting for mowing new sod and making your lawn come alive. As one of the most innovative lawn mowers on the market, you can combine precision and comfort into an unrivalled mowing experience. Shop your new remote control lawn mower today.
FAQs on When To Cut New Sod Lawn?
Should you leave Grass Clippings on New Sod?
No, you should avoid leaving grass clippings on your new sod after you mow it for the first time. Grass clippings can interrupt the time your new sod needs to establish roots and grow. Once your sod has started rooting properly, and you've mowed it already, then you can begin to leave clippings.
How long does it Take for Sod Lines to Disappear?
Sod lines take around 4 to 6 weeks to disappear once the sod is installed. Proper watering and aeration can reduce the need to wait for your sod lines to disappear, but this highly depends on the grass and weather.
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