Help for My Brown Sod

Newly Delivered Sod

• Ideally, you should install sod within 24 hours of it being cut at the sod farm. If you can't install the sod quickly, keep it as cool and moist as possible to avoid it overheating and browning out. Provide some shade for the sod pallet and lightly water the sod until it is moist but not soggy.

Newly Installed Sod

• Water once a day, during midday, for the first two to three weeks, or until the sod takes root in the soil. Don't water your new sod during the night; it may cause fungus problems, notes the JB Instant Lawn Company. Continue watering the soil every four to seven days, depending upon the amount of sun your sod receives and the weather; consult the instructions from the sod company for specific amount of water and frequency for your sod type.

General Watering Tips

• Water the sod frequently to reduce the likelihood of stress and drought on the plant. An article on the All About Lawns website suggests watering your lawn one day prior to mowing it. Watering one day before mowing gives the grass crown to have extra moisture, and allows the plant to recover quicker from the fresh cuts.

General Mowing Tips

• Don't cut more than one third of the grass sod height at any one time. Cutting too much off the blade may shock the grass and suddenly allow in too much light, turning it brown. Instead, readjust the height of your lawn mower and then re-mow the lawn a few days later.