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When To Mow Sod

It is important to mow your newly installed sod at the correct time and to the right height. Mowing too early and taking too much off can harm the sod's root system. While sod is trying to establish, its root system is trying to grow deep into the soil. Improper mowing may result in a weak root system, which causes unhealthy or thinning grass.

  1. When to Mow

    • Mow your sod four to seven days after installation, advises University of Rhode Island Extension. The time you mow depends on how fast your grass has started to grow and your grass type. If the grass was properly installed, it will display healthy growth. Also, grass types such as "Captiva St. Augustine" grass grows slower than other grass types like "Bermuda." Measure the lawn grass to judge if it is over 2 inches in height before mowing the lawn.

    Mowing Preparation

    • Avoid mowing the lawn before sharpening your mower's blades for the growing season. Mowing your lawn with dull blades can result in fungal diseases. Dull blades wound grass, which causes stress and creates an entryway for fungal diseases or other harmful pathogens to enter. You can sharpen your mower's blades yourself or take the mower to your local gardening supply store to have the blades professionally sharpened. In addition, wait two days to mow the lawn if you have sprayed a selective herbicide on the lawn.

    How to Mow

    • Set your lawn mower's blades, so that they remove one-third of the grass blade. For example, if your grass is 4 1/2 inches in height, set the blades so that grass is cut to 3 inches in height. Leave the grass clippings on top of the sod. Often, gardeners believe that grass clipping encourage thatch build up. However, grass clippings not only do not cause thatch accumulation, but the clippings contribute nitrogen to the sod.

    Mowing Frequency

    • Mow you sod throughout the growing season. Reduce your mowing frequency in the fall. In the fall when temperatures dip to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, cut the grass to 20 to 30 percent lower than you normally would, advises Cornell University Extension. By cutting your lawn shorter than usual, you reduce the risk of the sod contracting a fungal disease such as snow mold. Start mowing again in the spring or at the beginning of your growing season.

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Growing Grass
  1. When to Sod Using St. Augustine Grass?
  2. Mowing When Reseeding Existing Grass
  3. When Can I Mow New Turf?
  4. When to Mow a Lawn for Grass Height
  5. Should I Mow My Lawn Short?
  6. When to Plant Grass in Tennessee?
  7. When to Plant Grass Sod?
  8. When Can You Plant Grass?
  9. Mow Height for Bermuda Grass
  10. When to Sod Zoysia
  11. When to Lay Sod
  12. When to Mow Strawberries

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