SOD CARE

YOUR BEST LANDSCAPING GUIDE

New Sod Watering Schedule

New sod requires frequent watering at first to establish roots—this is different from the typical watering needs of established lawns.
Days 1–14:
Water 2–4 times daily (early morning to early afternoon)
Keep soil consistently moist, not soggy
Avoid puddles or runoff
Days 15–28:
Water once daily, preferably in the morning
Water deeply (½–¾ inch) to encourage root growth
After 4 Weeks:
If sod is rooted, reduce to:
2–3 times/week in summer
1–2 times/week the rest of the year
Adjust based on weather and lawn health

Ideal Fertilizing Timeline

You should wait about 30 days after installing new sod before applying fertilizer. This waiting period allows the sod to take root and acclimate to your yard’s soil conditions. Fertilizing too soon can stress the new grass and hinder healthy root development.
Once the sod is established (after about a month), you can apply a starter fertilizer or a balanced slow-release fertilizer to support strong growth.
Day 0–30:
No fertilizer
Focus on frequent watering and minimal foot traffic
At 30 Days (or once sod is rooted):
Apply a starter fertilizer or balanced slow-release fertilizer
Example: 16-4-8 or a product with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Mowing New Sod

Do not mow until the sod is firmly rooted (usually after 2–3 weeks).

When to Mow

Wait 2–3 weeks after installation, or until the sod has firmly rooted.
Test by gently tugging on the sod — if it resists, it's ready for mowing.
Mowing too soon can tear up the grass and damage root development.

First Mow Tips:

Use a sharp mower blade to avoid tearing the grass.
Mow when the grass is dry to prevent clumping or rutting.
Never cut more than ⅓ of the blade height at a time.

Recommended Mowing Heights:

St. Augustine: 3.5 – 4 inches
Zoysia: 2 – 2.5 inches
Bahia: 3 – 4 inches

Avoid Walking on New Sod

Why You Should Avoid Walking on New Sod
New sod is fragile and needs time to root. Walking on it too soon can:
Shift or damage sod
Compacts soil, slowing root growth
Cause bare or uneven spots
Stay off for 2–3 weeks, or until the sod is firmly rooted. Use boards to spread weight if walking is necessary.
amage.

SOD Pre-Installation

Proper prep ensures healthy root growth and long-term lawn success.

Remove Old Grass & Weeds

Kill existing grass/weeds with a non-selective herbicide (apply 10–14 days before installation).
Clear all debris, rocks, and dead plant material.

Till the Soil

Loosen the top 2–4 inches of soil to improve drainage and root penetration.

Grade the Area

Create a gentle slope away from structures for proper drainage.
Smooth and level the soil surface.

Test the Soil

Perform a soil test to check pH and nutrient levels.
Adjust with lime or sulfur as needed (ideal pH: 5.5–7.0 depending on grass type).

Apply Starter Fertilizer (Optional)

If soil test allows, apply a starter fertilizer before laying sod.

Water Lightly

Lightly moisten the soil right before sod installation—not soggy, just damp.
Proper care for new sod begins even before its installation. It is essential to thoroughly water the soil where the sod will be laid, as dry soil can absorb moisture from the sod, hindering its ability to establish roots. Additionally, applying a pre-plant fertilizer to the soil prior to installation can enhance the sod's growth potential.
Given its limited shelf-life, sod should not be stored for extended periods in areas like your side yard or garage, as the heat in Florida can damage its roots and surface. Therefore, it is crucial to install the sod immediately upon delivery, particularly in humid subtropical climates such as Florida.

Water Immediately

Water sod within 30 minutes of installation.
Soak soil to a depth of 3–4 inches.

Establish a Watering Schedule

Days 1–14: Water 2–4 times/day to keep sod moist.
Days 15–28: Water once/day, more deeply.
After 4 Weeks: Reduce to 2–3 times/week in summer; 1–2 in cooler months.

Limit Foot Traffic

Avoid walking on the sod for at least 2–3 weeks.
Use boards if access is necessary.

Mow When Rooted

Wait 2–3 weeks, or until sod resists tugging.
Mow with sharp blades and follow proper height:
- St. Augustine: 3.5–4 in
- Zoysia: 2–2.5 in
- Bahia: 3–4 in

New sod has shallow roots and can only absorb limited water at a time. To keep it healthy, water several times a day in short bursts—preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Avoid watering at night, as it increases the risk of fungal disease.

Depending on the temperature, water 2 to 6 times per day for about 4 to 6 minutes each time. Hotter days require more frequent watering. The goal is to keep the sod and the soil underneath consistently moist, but not soggy, throughout the day.

Two Weeks of Sod Installation

After First Mow: Watering & Mowing Tips

Watering

After mowing, reduce watering frequency but increase duration.
Eventually water once daily, then taper to 1–3 times per week, depending on the season.
Brown spots or shrinking seams? Increase watering time or check sprinkler coverage. Hand-water problem areas if needed.

Mowing

Never cut more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time.
Avoid "scalping" — it weakens the lawn and encourages weeds.
Keep mower blades sharp for clean cuts and healthy grass.
In Florida, let grass grow a bit taller to shade soil, reduce weeds, and retain moisture.

Fertilizer for Healthy Sod

Timing

Wait at least 30 days after installation before applying any fertilizer.

Soil Testing

Test your soil pH before applying lime or sulfur.
Use a store-bought test or get a lab test for accuracy.

Ideal pH Ranges

St. Augustine: 6.0 – 6.5
Bahia: 5.5 – 6.5
Zoysia: 6.0 – 6.5

If pH is too high:

Apply pelletized sulfur (up to 5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft.)
Only apply sulfur when temperatures are below 75°F

Fertilization Guidelines

Apply 1–2 lbs of nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft., 2–3 times per year
Choose a fertilizer with:
- Balanced nutrients (especially high potassium)
- Slow-release nitrogen for long-term health

For a boost between applications, use iron sulfate or other soluble iron products

to maintain color and vigor.

Call Us Now : (813) 232-1401

Our Locations:

SOD CARE

Day 0–30:

At 30 Days (or once sod is rooted):

When to Mow

First Mow Tips:

Recommended Mowing Heights:

Why You Should Avoid Walking on New Sod

SOD Pre-Installation

Proper prep ensures healthy root growth and long-term lawn success.

Remove Old Grass & Weeds

Till the Soil

Grade the Area

Test the Soil

Apply Starter Fertilizer (Optional)

Water Lightly

Post-Installation Sod Care
(Days 1–30)

Water Immediately

Establish a Watering Schedule

Limit Foot Traffic

Mow When Rooted

Two Weeks of Sod Installation

After First Mow: Watering & Mowing Tips

Watering

Mowing

Fertilizer for Healthy Sod

Timing

Soil Testing

Ideal pH Ranges

Fertilization Guidelines

Warranty Clause

Call Us Now : (813) 232-1401

Our Locations:

SOD CARE

Day 0–30:

At 30 Days (or once sod is rooted):

When to Mow

First Mow Tips:

Recommended Mowing Heights:

​

Why You Should Avoid Walking on New Sod

SOD Pre-Installation

Proper prep ensures healthy root growth and long-term lawn success.

Remove Old Grass & Weeds

Till the Soil

Grade the Area

Test the Soil

Apply Starter Fertilizer (Optional)

Water Lightly

Post-Installation Sod Care (Days 1–30)

Water Immediately

Establish a Watering Schedule

Limit Foot Traffic

Mow When Rooted

Two Weeks of Sod Installation

After First Mow: Watering & Mowing Tips

Watering

Mowing

Fertilizer for Healthy Sod

​

Timing

Soil Testing

Ideal pH Ranges

Fertilization Guidelines

Warranty Clause

Post-Installation Sod Care
(Days 1–30)