⭐ GOOD TURF SOD CARE GUIDE

How to care for your new #1 Kentucky Bluegrass lawn

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

1. WATERING SCHEDULE

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 gray — that means it needs more water.
Stay off the lawn as much as possible.

Weeks 3–4

Reduce watering to every 1–2 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

Normal with new sod — caused by decomposing organic material
They disappear on their own

Yellowing

Usually from overwatering or 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.

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