When Can You Cut New Sod After Laying?

Timing

• Measure the sod. Sod must be 1/3 higher than its desired height or the recommended height for that type of grass before you can mow, according to Sunset Magazine. For example, bermudagrass can be cut to a height of 1 inch so you would mow your grass when it reaches 1 1/3 inches. Typically, sod needs to grow for two weeks to be ready for mowing, according the University of Arizona. Never mow off more than 1/3 of an inch at one time or you could cause weak root systems.

Day

• Choose a dry day to mow your new sod. Wet grass blades are difficult to cut because they can get stuck under your rotary mowing, according to Ohio State University Extension. Gardeners are also more likely to scalp their lawns when mowing on wet soil. Scalping or mowing too short is caused by the weight of the mower sinking into moist soil. Wait for the soil to dry out slightly prior to mowing new sod.

How to Mow

• Set your mower's blades to the correct height. Avoid adding fuel to your mower when it is sitting on the grass. Spilled gasoline causes yellow sod. Push your mower in a 90-degree angle as suggested by Ohio State University. Switch up the angle every two mowings. Leave the grass clippings sitting out on the lawn. Grass clippings contribute important nitrogen to the sod. Nitrogen helps sod maintain its green color and produce healthy grass blades.

Frequency

• The frequency that you mow depends on how fast your grass type grows. For instance, tall fescue must be mowed more often than carpet grass, according to Clemson University. You can mow when your grass is more than 1/3 of an inch above your desired height. Mow during your grass type's growing season. Lower your mower's blades at the end of the season or going into the winter months by 1/2 an inch. Low mowing heights will discourage fungal diseases such as typhula blight.