How to Mow Turf

Turf, or sod, is grass you install, fully grown, in your yard. It's a mat, held together by its roots and broken apart into individual squares or rectangles. These squares are placed in your yard, and the roots eventually grow into the ground to become anchored. Turf can be more uniform, with few weeds, and is considered more attractive than the grass that might grow from seed on your property. Mowing sod is similar to mowing any other lawn after the first season.

Lawnmower
Sprinkler
Ruler

Instructions

- 1
  Wait at least two to three days after the turf is installed on your property to mow it. Water if frequently with a sprinkler to encourage it to root to the soil.
- 2
  Check to see if the roots have grown into the ground by attempting to lift a piece of the turf. Once the roots grow in, you can mow the lawn.
- 3
  Check the average height of the blades of your turf with a ruler before you mow the first time.
- 4
  Check the recommended height for the variety of turf you installed. Most varieties should be maintained between about 2 and 3 inches. However, creeping bentgrass should be kept to 1/4 to 3/4 inches, while zoysiagrass should be about 1 to 1 1/2 inches.
- 5
  Mow the turf as often as necessary to maintain the desirable height. Do not remove more than one-third of its length in a single mowing. Removing more than one-third of the blade in a single pass may cause roots to stop growing. Set mower to remove one-third of the blade, then mow a second time a few days later to the desired height.
- 6
  Wait until your turf is dry after it rains to mow it to avoid causing damage to the roots.

Low-Growing Sturdy Grass

Large Acreage Landscaping

Lawn Basics