When you have newly installed sod in Tennessee, proper mowing practices are crucial for maintaining its health. After installation, you should wait at least two weeks before mowing, as this period allows the roots to establish themselves in the soil. To check if the sod is ready for mowing, gently tug on it–if it lifts, it's not prepared; if it feels anchored, you can proceed with mowing. Set your mower to the highest setting to avoid cutting too much grass at once, which can stress your lawn. Lastly, reduce watering the day before mowing to firm up the ground, preventing the mower's weight from sinking into the sod and causing damage. By following these guidelines, your newly installed sod will flourish, and you'll cultivate a healthy, beautiful lawn.


For newly installed sod, wait 2 weeks before mowing to allow for root establishment.

Sod patches being installed on a property in Memphis, TN.

After installing sod, it is imperative to exercise care before engaging in any mowing activities. A prudent practice involves waiting at least two weeks after installation before considering mowing. This waiting period is crucial to allow the roots to establish themselves firmly in the soil. The newly laid sod requires adequate time to anchor itself securely, ensuring proper growth and development in the long term.

One way to check if the sod is ready to be mowed is by gently pulling up on it. If it lifts easily, it is a clear indication that the roots haven't taken hold, and mowing at this stage could cause the sod to become dislodged or damaged. However, if, upon gentle pulling, the sod feels firmly anchored to the grounds, you can then proceed with mowing.

It is vital to remember that newly installed sod is fragile and requires careful attention during its initial establishment phase. Rushing into mowing or any other aggressive tasks too soon can set back the growth process, leading to potential issues down the line. Patience and adherence to proper maintenance schedules are essential to ensure the sod establishes a strong root system, allowing it to thrive in the long term.


Set your lawn mower to the highest setting for the initial mow of your newly installed sod.

When it comes to mowing a newly installed sod lawn, one crucial factor to consider is the height of your lawn mower blade. To ensure the well-being of your newly laid grass, it is advisable to set your mower's blade to the highest setting during the first mow. This mowing practice will help prevent unnecessary stress on the young and developing sod.

Allowing the sod to grow taller initially provides the root system with additional time to strengthen and establish itself in the soil. This strong root network is essential for the long-term health and resilience of the grass. By setting your mower to the highest setting, you ensure that you avoid giving your newly laid sod a crewcut, which can negatively impact its growth trajectory.


Cut back on watering the day before mowing to help prevent damage to your newly installed sod.

Properly tending to newly installed sod requires careful consideration of the mowing and watering schedule. To ensure healthy sod growth, cut back on watering the day before you mow. By doing so, the sod will firm up enough to withstand the weight of the mower without sinking into the grass and causing damage. This practice helps promote the development of well-established sod, which is crucial for the longevity and beauty of your turf.

Sod should be watered often after installation to help root establishment, but cut back the day before mowing to prevent it from being damaged!

Call us today to schedule our sod installation and lawn mowing services!

If your landscape is in need of a quick and beautiful transformation, sod is an excellent choice. Sod provides an instant green lawn! At Picture Perfect Landscapes, not only can our team install sod on your property, but we can also handle the mowing too! Our sod installation and lawn mowing services are offered to property owners in Memphis, Midtown Memphis, East Memphis, and nearby locations in Tennessee. Call us today at (901) 246-7656 for all your lawn care needs!