​A new lawn needs the right topsoil base, watering, mowing, and maintenance to establish strong roots. Follow these simple steps to protect your investment and keep your lawn healthy for years.

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1. WATERING SCHEDULE

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Day 1 (Installation Day)

• Water immediately after installation.

• Soak the sod thoroughly — the water should reach the soil beneath.

• Edges and corners dry out the fastest, so give them extra attention.

 

Days 2–14 (First Two Weeks)

Your goal is to keep the sod consistently moist, not flooded.

• Water once or twice daily depending on heat and wind.

• The sod should feel damp at all times.

• Avoid letting it dry out or turn shiny — that means it needs more water.

• Stay off the lawn as much as possible.

 

Weeks 3–4

• Reduce watering to every 3-4 days.

• Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings — this encourages deeper root growth.

 

After 4 Weeks

• Switch to a deep-watering schedule (2–3 times per week).

• Deep, infrequent watering builds strong roots.

 

2. FIRST MOWING

You can mow when the lawn is fully rooted — usually 10–14 days after installation.

• Before mowing, gently try to lift a corner. If it doesn’t move, it’s ready.

• Set your mower to a high setting (3 to 3.5 inches).

• Keep your blade sharp to avoid tearing the sod.

Never remove more than 1/3 of the grass height at one time.

 

3. FERTILIZING

Your new lawn already has the nutrients it needs to get started. We recommend:

First fertilizer application:

4–6 weeks after installation.

Use a balanced lawn fertilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Seasonal fertilizing:

• Early summer

• Late summer

• Fall fertilizer (important for winter strength)

Avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.

 

4. TRAFFIC & USE

For the first 2–3 weeks:

• Avoid heavy foot traffic

• Keep pets off the lawn

• Avoid placing furniture or heavy objects on the grass

Your sod will fully establish over the first 4–6 weeks, depending on weather.

 

5. EDGES & CORNERS

These areas dry out faster because they have more exposed surface area.

• Water edges and corners a little longer than the rest of the lawn.

• If an edge turns brown, increase watering — it almost always comes back.

 

6. SLOPED AREAS

Hills and slopes lose water faster.

• Water slopes slow and steady to prevent runoff.

• You may need to return and re-water these sections to keep them moist.

 

7. COMMON ISSUES

Dry patches / shrinking seams

• Increase watering

• Focus extra time on seams, edges, and high spots

Mushrooms

• Extreme overwatering

• They disappear on their own

Yellowing

• Usually from underwatering

• Adjust your schedule and it normally corrects itself within days

Weeds

• New sod may have a few weeds — this is normal

• Avoid weed killers for the first 4–6 weeks

 

8. LONG-TERM CARE

After your lawn is fully established:

• Mow regularly at 3–3.5 inches

• Fertilize 3–4 times per year

• Water deeply, not daily

• Aerate once per year if needed

• Overseed thin areas in early fall

 

Proper maintenance keeps your lawn thick, healthy, and green.

 

⭐ Questions About Sod Care?

If you’re unsure about watering, mowing, or care, we’re here to help.

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Good Turf Landscaping Services Inc.
Serving Winnipeg since 1984
(204) 981-2533