A freshly installed sod lawn is an instant upgrade, but the first 30 days are crucial. Proper watering, feeding, and protection will determine whether your lawn takes root or struggles.
This guide explains exactly how to care for sod after installation, answers common questions like how often to water sod after installation and when to fertilize new sod, and includes a detailed new sod care timeline.
If you're searching for sod installation near you, this post is your complete resource and your first step to a beautiful lawn that lasts.
Here's what we'll cover in this blog:
- Steps to Caring for Sod
- Water
- Fertilize
- Protect Your Fresh Sod
- New Sod Care Timeline
- Week 1
- Week 2
- Week 3
- Week 4
- Sod Installation Experts
The Steps to Caring for Sod
Caring for freshly laid sod means mastering watering, fertilizing, and protection during the first month. Follow these steps to help your new lawn establish strong roots and long-term health. First Class Lawncare LLC is the team that will show up and educate you every step of the way. Let's take a look at these steps necessary to care for sod.
1. Water
Water, water, water. We could just say this, and it would be enough. Watering new sod is the single most important step in early care. Without consistent moisture, the sod will dry out, shrink, and fail to root properly.
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Water immediately after installation, ideally within 30 minutes.
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Use oscillating sprinklers or an irrigation system for even coverage.
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Ensure water penetrates 3 to 4 inches deep into the soil.
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Avoid shallow watering, which leads to weak roots.
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Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
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Do not water at night, as this encourages fungus and root rot.
How Often Should You Water Sod After Installation?
A common question is how often you should water sod after installation.
First day: Water every 12 hours for 25 minutes.
Days 2–3: Water every 6 hours for 15 minutes.
Days 4–7: Water every day.
Days 7–14: Water every other day.
Fall and winter are the best times to lay sod, in part because it is less warm and the air is less dry. This means that you're not burning or drying out the sod immediately after laying it.
2. Fertilize
Choosing the right new sod fertilizer promotes strong roots and steady top growth. What is the best fertilizer for new sod? There are a few types.
Finding the best fertilizer:
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Look for a starter fertilizer with a 10-20-10 or 16-22-8 nutrient ratio.
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Select slow-release or phosphorus-rich blends to support deep root growth.
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Avoid “weed and feed” products, as they can harm young grass.
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Apply fertilizer lightly and evenly across the surface to prevent overfeeding.
Tip: Always water after fertilizing to activate nutrients and prevent fertilizer burn.
3. Protect Your Fresh Sod
Water and fertilizer will only go so far if the new sod is damaged before it roots. Protecting your investment ensures proper establishment and healthy growth.
Foot Traffic
Here's how you can avoid foot traffic:
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Avoid walking on the lawn for the first two weeks.
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Stepping on soft sod can cause indentations or break new roots.
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Keep pets and children off the lawn during this time.
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Use temporary fencing or landscape markers as a visual barrier to separate the areas.
Lawn Furniture and Equipment
Follow these steps for success:
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Do not place furniture, grills, or heavy objects on new sod for at least three to four weeks.
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Pressure can cause yellow spots and compact the roots.
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Wait until the sod has fully rooted before setting up outdoor furniture.
Mowing
You can, but be sure to:
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Wait until the grass reaches 3 to 4 inches in height and feels firmly anchored.
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Use a sharp mower blade to ensure a clean cut.
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Never remove more than one-third of the grass height at one time.
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Only mow when the sod is dry to prevent tearing or matting.
New Sod Care Timeline
To make it easy, here’s your first 30 days of sod maintenance broken down by week. While sod installation doesn't take too long, sod maintenance requires some time.
Week 1
Water and stay off the grass (sod):-
Water 2x per day (AM and PM).
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No mowing or foot traffic.
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Watch for signs of drying (edges curling, grass changing color).
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Keep soil consistently moist.
Week 2
Lighten the load and continue to baby the freshly laid sod:-
Reduce watering to once daily (early morning only).
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Still no mowing or walking.
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Grass should begin lightly anchoring itself to the soil.
Week 3
Mow and feed the new sod:
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Test sod rooting by gently lifting a corner to test tension.
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Mow on a dry day with sharp blades.
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Apply your starter fertilizer for new sod.
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Water immediately after fertilizing.
Week 4
Transition to only maintaining the sod:-
Water every 2–3 days, adjusting for weather conditions.
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Mow regularly (never more than one-third of the blade height).
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Begin light use of the lawn.
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Spot-check for dryness, pests, or yellowing patches.
Your Sod Installation Experts
At First Class Lawncare LLC, we’re more than a sod installer. Instead, we're the partner you need who can provide you with a guide to outdoor living and help you make the best of your home. If you’re looking for sod installation near me in New Castle County, DE, or bordering towns in Pennsylvania, homeowners trust us. We use a time-tested process that ensures you're cared for from the first day.
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Our Process: We start with a site visit and soil evaluation, then prep your lawn with expert grading, drainage solutions, and premium-quality sod.
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Full-Service Landscaping: We offer more than sod with our hardscaping and landscaping services. From modern patios and walkways to retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and drainage, we remodel entire outdoor spaces.
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Materials that Last: We use top-rated, trending products like bluestone, porcelain pavers, and sustainable plantings. You can take a look at our portfolio to see these materials at work.
Working with First Class Lawncare LLC
When you choose us, you’re not just getting great grass. You’re getting long-term value, service, and support. Our focused service area means we know the land and weather of the place we serve, and we specialize in giving you the best experience every time.
Contact Us
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or learn more.
