You’ve just had fresh sod installed—your lawn looks amazing. But now you’re asking the big question: How do I take care of new sod so it stays green and healthy? The first 30 days are critical for helping your new lawn establish strong roots and thrive for years to come.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through exactly how to care for new sod—step-by-step—so your investment stays lush and beautiful.

🌱 Why Proper Sod Care Matters

New sod looks great right away, but underneath, those grass roots are still adapting to their new environment. Without proper watering and maintenance, your sod may dry out, yellow, or fail to root properly—undoing all that hard work.

💧 Week-by-Week New Sod Care Guide

Week 1: Keep It Soaked

• Water immediately after installation.
• Soak your lawn early in the morning and again in the afternoon (if temps are high).
• Goal: Keep the sod and the top few inches of soil consistently moist.
• Don’t mow yet—let the roots begin to establish.

Week 2: Maintain Moisture

• Water once daily (twice if it's hot/dry).
• Test by gently lifting a corner of sod—if it lifts easily, roots are still shallow.
• Avoid foot traffic during this stage.

Week 3: Reduce Watering

• Water every other day in the early morning.
• Begin checking that roots are starting to grip the soil.
• You can mow now—make sure your mower blade is sharp and don’t cut too short.

Week 4: Transition to Maintenance Mode

• Shift to a normal lawn watering schedule (2–3 times a week depending on weather).
• Apply a balanced starter fertilizer (if recommended).
• Begin light use of the lawn—still no heavy traffic or activity yet.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underwatering – Leads to yellowing, curling, or gaps between sod pieces.
• Overwatering – Can cause fungus, rot, or shallow root development.
• Mowing too soon – Rips up sod before it’s rooted.
• Skipping soil prep before installation – Affects root bonding long-term.
• Heavy foot traffic too early – Can cause indentations and damage.

🌿 Bonus Tips for Long-Term Success

• Water deeply, not just frequently
• Aerate your lawn once or twice a year
• Apply pre-emergent in spring to control weeds
• Use mulch or edging to protect the perimeter
• Keep a consistent mowing schedule

🛠️ Trust Texas Sod Pros for Expert Sod Installation and Guidance

At Texas Sod Pros, we don’t just install sod—we guide you through new sod care every step of the way. From prepping your soil to laying your new lawn to making sure you know exactly how to water it, we’ve got your back.

We offer:

• Sod installation
• Lawn replacement
• Patch repair
• Free estimates

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