3 Things to Know Before Mowing Your Newly Sodded Lawn for the First Time

3 Things to Know Before Mowing Your Newly Sodded Lawn for the First Time

If you have a recently sodded lawn in Pennsylvania, there are three important things to keep in mind before mowing it for the first time. Firstly, it is crucial to wait at least two weeks after installation to ensure that the sod has firmly anchored into the soil. Secondly, when you do mow, set your lawn mower to the highest cutting height to avoid removing too much from the lawn. Lastly, reduce watering the day before mowing to allow the sod and soil to firm up. By following these guidelines, you'll be able to mow your newly sodded lawn for the first time without damaging it!

1. Wait at least 2 weeks after the sod has been installed before mowing it.

After investing in new sod for your lawn, it's important to resist the temptation to immediately start mowing. Waiting for a minimum of two weeks after installation allows the sod to establish a strong and healthy root system in the soil. During this crucial period, the roots need time to penetrate the ground, anchoring themselves securely and absorbing nutrients and water.

To determine if your sod is ready to be mowed, gently test its stability by trying to pull up a small section. If the sod easily lifts, it means the roots have not yet sufficiently developed, and mowing at this stage could disturb their growth. However, if the sod feels firmly anchored, showing resistance to your pull, it's a positive sign that the roots have taken hold, and you can proceed with mowing.

2. Set your lawn mower to the highest setting before mowing.

When it comes time to give your newly sodded lawn its first trim, it’s important to set your mower to the highest setting. This precautionary measure is key to avoiding excessive stress on the delicate grass. Mowing the grass too short during this initial stage can weaken the grass and hinder its ability to establish a robust and healthy root system.

As your newly sodded lawn becomes more established and the roots delve deeper into the soil, you can gradually lower the setting height in subsequent mowing sessions. However, for the initial mow, keeping the grass a bit longer will support its overall health and resilience.

3. Cut back on watering the day before you mow.

In preparation for mowing your newly sodded lawn, it's important to take an additional step to ensure optimal results: cut back on watering the day before. This approach allows the sod to firm up, creating a stable surface that can withstand the weight of the mower without causing any damage. By avoiding excessive water, you minimize the risk of the mower's tires sinking deeply into the grass, which could lead to uneven cuts, scalping, or tearing of the sod.

Moreover, mowing a slightly drier lawn helps prevent the formation of ruts or uneven patches that can occur when the soil is too soft. It ensures a smoother mowing experience, allowing the blades to glide evenly across the surface and create a neat, uniform cut.

Give us a call to sign up for our lawn mowing service or our sod installation service.

Whether you're looking to have sod installed on your property, need your lawn mowed, or both, we are the team to turn to. We can install sod to give you a beautiful new lawn almost instantly, and then we can mow it regularly to keep it looking its best. We can also mow your lawn if you don't have sod. We offer both of these services to property owners in Macungie, East Greenville, Fogelsville, and neighboring areas in Pennsylvania. Call us at (484) 547-8246 and sign up for any of our services today!