Avoiding Common Sod Care Mistakes
Laying fresh sod is a great way to achieve a beautiful lawn instantly, but improper care can lead to poor root development, thinning grass, or even sod failure. At New Jersey Sod Company, we want to help homeowners avoid common mistakes and keep their sod healthy year-round. Here’s what NOT to do when caring for new sod.
1. Overwatering or Underwatering
🚫 Overwatering: Leads to shallow roots, fungus growth, and weak sod.
🚫 Underwatering: Causes sod to dry out, turn brown, and fail to establish.
✅ Solution: Water 2-3 times per day for the first two weeks, then reduce to 2-3 times per week once roots develop.
2. Mowing Too Soon or Too Short
🚫 Mowing before the sod has rooted can pull up the grass and damage growth.
🚫 Cutting the grass too short stresses the sod, making it more prone to disease and weeds.
✅ Solution: Wait at least 2-3 weeks before mowing and keep the mower blade at 3 inches or higher.
3. Poor Soil Preparation Before Installation
🚫 Laying sod on compacted soil or without proper grading prevents strong root development.
🚫 Skipping starter fertilizer reduces essential nutrients for new sod.
✅ Solution: Loosen the soil, level it properly, and apply a starter fertilizer before installation.
4. Ignoring Weed Prevention
🚫 Using herbicides too soon can damage new sod.
🚫 Not addressing weeds early allows them to compete for nutrients and water.
✅ Solution: Wait at least 6 weeks before applying any weed control. Hand-pull weeds as needed.
5. Skipping Lawn Rolling After Installation
🚫 Air pockets between sod and soil prevent proper root contact.
🚫 Uneven sod placement can create weak spots or drying areas.
✅ Solution: Use a lawn roller after installation to ensure firm soil contact.
6. Forgetting Seasonal Lawn Care
🚫 Spring & Summer: Not watering deeply in hot months can cause stress and patchy grass.
🚫 Fall: Skipping fall fertilization weakens the lawn before winter.
✅ Solution: Adjust watering based on the season and fertilize in spring and fall to keep your sod strong.
Expert Lawn Care & Sod in New Jersey
Avoiding these mistakes will help your sod thrive for years to come. At New Jersey Sod Company, we provide premium sod, expert installation, and professional advice to keep your lawn in top shape.
Contact us today for a free consultation or sod delivery in New Jersey!
