05/29/2026
🌱 SOD ISN'T AN INSTANT LAWN 🌱
A newly installed sod lawn is more like a transplant than a finished product.
Fresh sod has just been harvested from a sod farm, meaning much of its root system was cut during the harvesting process. While it may look like a finished lawn on day one, it's actually a lawn under stress that needs time to re-establish itself.
Over the next few weeks, new roots will begin growing into the soil below. The goal is to encourage those roots to grow deep and establish a strong, healthy foundation.
💧 WATERING IS EVERYTHING
For the first 10-14 days, the soil beneath the sod should remain consistently moist.
• Water immediately after installation
• Water deeply enough to wet the soil beneath the sod
• Lift a corner occasionally to check moisture levels
• Pay close attention to edges and corners, which dry out first
• Avoid letting the sod dry out during establishment
• Adjust watering based on rainfall, temperature, and wind conditions
👟Minimize foot traffic while roots are establishing
✂️ Wait to mow until the sod has rooted into the soil. A simple tug test can help - if the sod resists being lifted, the roots are beginning to establish.
A properly prepared soil base and proper watering schedule are what turn fresh sod into a long-term healthy lawn. Remember - It All Starts with the Soil!!
- RAW Landscape Experts