Caring for New Sod: The First Few Weeks

A beautiful lawn starts the moment your sod is delivered. Give it the right care in the first few weeks and it will reward you for years.

1. Install within 48 hours

Sod is a living product, so don’t let it sit on the pallet. Install it within 48 hours of delivery or pickup. Plan where you want the pallets dropped, and use wagons to move pieces around the yard as you work.

Need it laid for you? We can refer trusted install crews — just ask when you request your quote.

2. Prep pays off

If you haven’t laid the sod yet, good ground prep makes a lasting difference. Loosen compacted soil, add organic matter and topsoil, smooth the surface, and rototill to encourage a deeper root system and proper water run-off. Spending time on preparation is the foundation of a healthy new lawn. (See our full Sod Installation 101 guide →)

3. Water for strong rooting

Right after the sod is down, water it thoroughly to settle it against the soil and start root growth. Keep it consistently moist while it establishes over the first couple of weeks.

As the roots take hold, transition to the schedule that builds the strongest lawn: deep and infrequent watering, early in the morning. (Here’s exactly how we recommend watering →)

4. Order the right amount the first time

Running short mid-project is no fun. When you order, measure each area and add about 15% extra to cover cuts around curbs, beds, and curves.

Our Turf Area Calculator totals your measurements and adds the 15% overage automatically — then you can send it straight to your quote.

5. Then settle into a routine

Once your lawn is established, the long game is simple:

• Water deep and infrequently, early morning.
• Fertilize around Halloween and Presidents Day — and skip nitrogen in summer.
• Mow as needed (or only once or twice a month with our low-maintenance Advantage Turf).

Welcome to your new lawn. 🌱