New Sod Care • Palm Beach County
New Sod Care, Made Simple.
Watering, first mow, and nutrition that help roots grab fast—without setbacks.
Care basics
First 3–4 Weeks After Install
These fundamentals keep sod moist at the roots, prevent stress, and build density.
Watering
Days 0–7: seams/edges damp; brief cycles 3–4×/day.
Days 8–14: taper to 2–3×/day as tug-test shows grab.
Weeks 3–4: deeper, less frequent (daily → every other day) based on weather.
Avoid puddling or runoff; shade needs less than full sun.
Mowing & Traffic
First mow when sod resists a gentle tug and blades are ~⅓ above target height.
Sharp blade; bag clippings the first couple cuts. Minimize heavy traffic 2–3 weeks.
Nutrition
Starter per label if recommended for your variety/soil.
At ~3–4 weeks, start your regular slow-release program with micros.
What to expect
Week-by-Week: 0–8 Weeks
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Days 0–3 Root start
Short, frequent watering to keep seams damp. No traffic or mowing.
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Days 4–7
Lift at corners—should resist slightly. Keep edges moist; check irrigation aim.
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Week 2
Tug test stronger. Reduce to 2–3 cycles/day. First light mow when safe.
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Weeks 3–4 Transition
Move toward deeper watering, less often. Start nutrition program if planned.
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Weeks 5–8
Normal mowing cadence at proper height. Watering now weather-driven (deeper/less frequent).
We’ll adjust timing if there’s wind, extreme heat, heavy shade, or rain.
Match care to the grass
Quick Reference by Variety
St. Augustine (e.g., Palmetto, ProVista)
- Keep edges extra moist the first 10 days; prone to chinch bugs in heat.
- First mow high; never remove >⅓ of blade. Avoid scalping shaded areas.
Zoysia
- Likes even, deeper watering as roots establish; allow slight surface dry-down.
- Sharpen blades—zoysia shows fray from dull cuts.
Bermuda (hybrids)
- Prefers frequent, lighter cuts. Excellent recovery once rooted.
- Watch for scalping on uneven grade; level if needed in the shoulder season.
Controller examples
Sample Watering Program (Adjust for Weather)
| Window | Start Times | Run Time / Zone | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 0–3 | 7am • 11am • 3pm • 6pm | 6–8 min (spray) • 10–12 min (rotor) | Keep seams/edges damp; add a short edge cycle if needed. |
| Days 4–7 | 7am • 12pm • 5pm | 6–8 min • 10–12 min | Back off if surface stays glossy/wet between cycles. |
| Week 2 | 7am • 4pm | 8–10 min • 12–14 min | Increase depth slightly; confirm tug-test shows grab. |
| Weeks 3–4 | 7am (every day → EOD) | 10–12 min • 14–16 min | Shift to deeper/less frequent; use rain skip if controller supports it. |
Catch-cup (or tuna-can) test: aim for even coverage; rotate/repair mis-aimed heads early.
Keep the tops right
Mowing Heights & Frequency
St. Augustine
- Height: 3.5–4.5″ (higher in shade).
- Cadence: weekly in season; never remove more than ⅓ of blade.
Zoysia
- Height: 1–2″ (confirm cultivar). Reel or sharp rotary.
- Cadence: weekly; more frequent during flushes to avoid clumping.
Bermuda
- Height: 0.5–1.5″ (site/level-dependent).
- Cadence: 1–2×/week in peak growth; light, frequent passes are best.
Simple rules
Do / Don’t
Do
- Perform a tug test in 3–5 spots before reducing water.
- Run a catch-cup test and fix mis-aimed sprinklers early.
- Use a sharp blade and bag first couple cuts.
- Spot-treat weeds only after rooting; follow all labels.
Don’t
- Don’t let water puddle or run off; split long cycles.
- Don’t mow if the sod lifts easily—wait another few days.
- Don’t heat-stress new sod with heavy traffic or parked equipment.
- Don’t blanket-spray herbicides until safe for your variety & stage.
If something looks off
Troubleshooting Guide
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Edges browning or shrinking | Edges drying first; poor head-to-head coverage | Add short edge cycle; re-aim heads; hand-water seams mid-day for a week. |
| Gray/olive patches after rain | Fungal activity on tender leaf tissue | Improve dry-down; mow on time with sharp blade; contact us if it expands. |
| Wilting by mid-day | Under-watering / wind exposure | Add a short mid-day cycle; check controller time and zone run times. |
| Blades frayed after mowing | Dull blade; cutting too much at once | Sharpen blade; stick to the ⅓ rule; raise height one notch. |
After-care
First 90 Days at a Glance
- 0–2 weeks: frequent moisture; no traffic; monitor edges.
- Weeks 3–4: start regular mowing cadence; begin nutrition plan.
- Weeks 5–8: deeper/less frequent watering; spot-treat weeds if needed and safe.
- By 90 days: full program & seasonal adjustments based on variety, light, and soil.
Good to know
Sod Care FAQs
Not sure about something? Ask during your walkthrough—we’ll tailor it to your yard.
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When should I first mow?
When the sod resists a gentle tug and grass is ~⅓ taller than the target height. Use a sharp blade; bag clippings the first couple of cuts.
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How much should I water?
Keep it evenly moist (not soupy). Start with short, frequent cycles; taper as rooting improves and weather allows. See the sample program above.
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When do we start fertilizer?
Typically around week 3–4, then into your regular program. We’ll match rate and analysis to the variety and season.
Want a tailored sod care plan?
We’ll dial watering, mowing height, and nutrition for your lawn’s light and soil.