When Can I Mow New Turf?

Mowing Sod

• Generally, gardeners can mow their new sod four to seven days after it has been installed, according to the University of Rhode Island. Gardeners who have incorrectly laid sod should wait for grass to recover. Mowing stressed grass can cause thinning grass blades and bare patches. If you are mowing a lawn that has been patched up with new sod, mow when the sod has grown to the length of the surrounding grass blades.

Mowing Grass Seedlings

• Mow your new grass seedlings when they reach three to four inches in height, as recommended by Lance Walheim from the National Gardening Association. Cutting your seedlings before they have has a chance to establish strong systems severely damaged grass. Furthermore, the amount of time you have to wait to mow the lawn also depends on what type of grass your choose to grow. Slow growing grass like fescue will take longer to reach heights of three to four inches, while bermuda grass quickly sprouts and grows.

Mowing Height

• Gardeners must take into consideration the correct height for their specific grass type before mowing. For example, zoysia grass should be kept at one to three inches, Kentucky bluegrass be grown to two to three inches and tall fescue should be allowed to maintain heights of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches, according to the Kansas State University. Avoid ever taking off more than 1/3 of the grass blade at one time, because it weakens the grass. If you are cutting a grass to maintain a height of two inches, wait for the grass to grow to 2 1/3 inches in height.

Mowing Weather

• Mow new turf when the weather is dry. Mowing wet grass causes grass clippings to clump up. Clumped up grass clippings reduces the amount of light and air getting to the new grass, which can encourage fungal diseases. If grass clippings clump up, rake them up and distribute evenly over the yard. Also, avoid mowing when the ground is dried out. Wait for the soil to be slightly moist, so that mowing doesn't stress out the grass.