New sod - first mowing

[Quattro Pete]

I had some new sod (blue grass) installed last Monday.

I've read some article suggesting not to mow it for the first 14 days after install? Does that sound right? That patch of new sod looks a bit unsightly growing so high, so I was just wondering if I really have to wait that long. I know that I should mow high initially, regardless.

The landscaper said to only wait a week.

 

[JHZR2]

I was under the impression that if you let it grow up top, its not putting much energy into the roots, which Id think you would want.

That said, it is also probably in shock, which is more of an issue if cut.

Id use a reel mower, not a beat down gas mower regardless. It will be interesting to read the responses on this...

 

[Steve S]

Don't cut it too short.

 

[hate2work]

Ask over at lawnsite.com for more complete info. They have a homeowner's section for us regular folks

 

[Quattro Pete]

Heh... I only have about 50 sq ft of it... don't necessarily want to spend $100 on a reel mower for this. With that said, my self-propelled mower is fairly heavy, so I am worried a little about the wheels sinking into the sod...

 

[ChiTDI]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
Don't cut it too short.


+1

 

[chubbs1]

I have done this so many times, so I can speak from experience (some the hard way), It is fine to cut at this point, the key is not short. You do not want to (shock) the grass so to speak.

So you have it right. Cut it high and go from there. Also, check if you have to/can poison yet. I know in FL it is essential with Our common St Augustine.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: chubbs1
Also, check if you have to/can poison yet.

I'm sorry, what? I'm fairly new to this, as you can tell.

 

[Kuato]

The reason for waiting is to let the grass start to root in place. If you mow too soon (or too short) it will disturb that process. Everything I've seen suggest keeping it mowed at 4" until it is "well established".

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: chubbs1
Also, check if you have to/can poison yet.

I'm sorry, what? I'm fairly new to this, as you can tell.

The bugs ie. chinch, grubs etc are what really can destroy your yard. Even with all things being perfect temp., sun, water. The bugs need to be killed so the yard should be poisoned 2-4 times per year with Spectracide, Triazacide etc. Just ask your lawn service or read up on it for your area. DO NOT hire a yard service, they are a rip I have dealt with the big Co.'s like TruGreen, Scott's, to local guys and they all stunk.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

You should only take off the top 1/3 of the grass blade. Any shorter, the blades and roots will have too much exposure to the sun, etc.

I would go with a week, set the mower to the highest setting, and slowly work your way down to the height that suits you and the rest of the yard.

My .02.

Dave

 

[antonmnster]

I'd cut it regularly at 3-4" for a few weeks at least.

I'd also avoid overwatering it. As far as I know keeping it constantly wet provides the turf with no reason to grow deep roots. You want the water to drain down and the roots to chase it. I'd double check the numbers, but I think I remember hearing not to water more than 1" in a day, in short bursts. You want to avoid stressing the grass (cutting it too short) and you want to promote root growth so the turf is hardy (smart, NOT MORE, watering).

If it gets really hot and dry, it's ok to let the grass go dormant once it's established. Turf growth around here generally screeches to a halt around July unless you have an irrigation system.

 

[Mamala Bay]

What was added to the sod when installed? Normally you don't want to disturb the grass since the roots needs to establish itself. Was a spiked fertilizer added for excessive top growth?

I'd be thinking of the roots, it needs to establish itself. I wouldn't mow it rather use a weed trimmer. First importance is not to put too much shock on the sod, so if trimming go easy little at a time.

 

[Quattro Pete]

I don't think anything was added to the sod at installation.

 

[Mamala Bay]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
I don't think anything was added to the sod at installation.


Has there been excessive rain in your area? This will also cause top growth. Reason not to mow is the roots are too weak in it's establishment for any type of mowing. I'd opt for a trimmer if you feel the grass needs to trim down.