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New sod needs 2-3 weeks to establish roots before mowing. Test readiness with a gentle tug, then mow high with a sharp blade. The key is patience—rushing can damage your investment and set back establishment by weeks.
You’ve just invested in beautiful new sod for your lawn, and it’s looking great. But as the grass starts to grow taller, you might be wondering when you can fire up the mower. The answer isn’t immediately—and there’s a good reason why patience pays off when it comes to your new lawn.
Think of fresh sod like a beautiful rug that’s been laid on top of your yard. While it looks established from day one, underneath the surface is a different story.
The root development process:
What happens if you mow too early:
Get a 1GC compact tractor and get more than a mower. You’ll save time on property care in every season.
Gently grab a corner or edge of the sod and give it a light pull:
Pro tip: Let the sod tell you when it’s ready rather than strictly following the calendar.
High cutting setting: Prevents scalping and grass shock Sharp blade: Creates clean cuts that heal faster and resist disease Slow movement: Reduces stress on newly established roots Gentle handling: Protects sod that’s still settling in
For very new sod, consider using a lighter push mower instead of a heavy riding mower to minimize ground pressure.
Once you’ve completed your first mow, give your sod a light watering to help it recover from the stress of cutting. Avoid heavy foot traffic for a few more days while the grass adjusts to its new height.
Moving forward, you can establish a regular mowing routine, typically once per week during the growing season. Keep following the one-third rule—never cut more than one-third of the grass blade length at once—and gradually lower your cutting height over the next few mows until you reach your desired lawn height.
Remember that a well-established lawn starts with proper care in those crucial first few weeks. By being patient with that first mow and following these guidelines, you’ll set your new sod up for years of lush, healthy growth.