When homeowners invest in fresh sod installation, the transformation is immediate. However, maintaining that lush, green look requires proper care during the first few weeks. At Rosalio Padron Lawn Service, we guide our customers through the post-installation process to ensure their new lawn thrives long after the project is complete.

If you’ve recently had sod installed—or are thinking about it—here’s what to expect once your new grass is laid.

1. The First 2 Weeks: Watering Is Critical

Your sod is technically alive, but the roots haven’t yet bonded with the soil. In this phase, consistent watering is the key to survival.

What to do:

• Water daily, sometimes twice a day in hot weather.
• Keep the sod and soil underneath moist—not soaked.
• Water early in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.

We recommend installing or upgrading your sprinkler system to ensure consistent coverage and avoid dry patches.

2. Watch for Signs of Rooting

You’ll start seeing signs that your sod is “taking” after about 10–14 days.

Healthy indicators include:

• Grass blades resist being pulled up (indicates root attachment).
• Sod color stays vibrant and even.
• New growth begins to appear.

Avoid heavy foot traffic during this stage to prevent damage.

3. Your First Mow: When and How

You can usually mow your lawn after the second week, but only if the sod has rooted properly. The goal is to trim the blades without pulling up the sod.

Tips for your first mow:

• Use a sharp mower blade.
• Mow on the highest setting.
• Avoid bagging—mulching the clippings can feed the new lawn.

We also suggest edging carefully to avoid dislodging the corners of your new sod.

4. Adjusting Watering for Long-Term Health

After the first two weeks, you can start reducing the frequency of watering, but increase the duration. This encourages deeper root growth and creates a more drought-tolerant lawn.

Example watering schedule:

• Week 1–2: 1–2 times daily, short duration.
• Week 3–4: Every other day, longer duration.
• Week 5+: 2–3 times per week, deep soak.

5. When to Fertilize New Sod

Don’t fertilize right after installation. Wait about 4–6 weeks, then apply a starter fertilizer to help establish strong roots.

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers early on—this can encourage blade growth before the roots are strong enough to support it.

6. Common Issues to Watch For

Even with great care, new sod can show early signs of stress. Here’s what to look for:

• Yellowing or browning: Could be from underwatering, overwatering, or fungus.
• Gaps between seams: Sod may have shrunk—extra topsoil or hand-watering may help.
• Weeds or pests: Contact our team if you notice anything unusual; early intervention is key.

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