So, you’ve just had fresh sod installed—congratulations! But before you kick off your shoes and enjoy your lush new lawn, it’s important to avoid a few key mistakes that can jeopardize your investment.

At Texas Sod Pros, we often get called in to fix issues that could’ve been prevented with a little guidance. Here are six common mistakes homeowners make after sod installation—and how you can avoid them.

1. 💧 Overwatering or Underwatering

New sod needs consistent moisture—but too much or too little can damage it.

Avoid this by:

• Watering twice daily for the first week
• Adjusting based on weather (less if it rains, more if it’s hot and dry)
• Ensuring the soil is damp but not soggy

After two weeks, you can start tapering to once daily, then every other day.

2. 🚶 Walking on Fresh Sod Too Soon

It’s tempting to step onto your new lawn—but doing so before it roots can cause shifting, indentations, or separation at seams.

What to do instead:

• Avoid foot traffic for at least 2 weeks
• Keep pets and kids off the grass
• Check for rooting by gently tugging a corner—if it resists, it’s starting to establish

3. ✂️ Mowing Too Early

Mowing too soon can tear the sod or compact it before the roots take hold.

Best practice:

• Wait until the grass is about 3–4 inches tall
• Ensure it’s firmly rooted before mowing
• Use sharp mower blades on a high setting for the first few cuts

4. 🧪 Fertilizing Immediately After Installation

While your lawn will eventually need nutrients, adding fertilizer too early can cause stress or even burn the grass.

When to fertilize:

• Wait 4–6 weeks before the first application
• Use a balanced starter fertilizer once roots are established
• Avoid heavy nitrogen early on

5. 🌥 Ignoring Shade or Drainage Issues

Even the best sod won’t thrive in poor conditions. If part of your lawn is shaded or has standing water, it may suffer without intervention.

Fix it with:

• Sod varieties suited to shade
• Soil grading or drainage correction
• Trimming overhanging trees to allow sunlight

Texas Sod Pros evaluates all of this before installation to set your lawn up for success.

6. ❌ Assuming It’s "Set and Forget"

New sod still needs care even after it roots. If you assume it’s maintenance-free, it could dry out, become patchy, or develop weeds.

Ongoing tips:

• Mow regularly
• Water deeply and less frequently after the first month
• Watch for signs of pests or disease
• Aerate and fertilize seasonally

Avoid Mistakes with Help from Texas Sod Pros

We don’t just install sod—we give you the tools and knowledge to maintain it. Our services include:

• Sod installation
• Lawn replacement
• Patch repair
• Watering and care instructions
• Follow-up support

‍