If you've recently had sod installed on your property in Oregon, timing your first mow is crucial. To allow the grass to establish strong roots, it’s best to wait at least two weeks after your sod was installed before mowing. When you do mow, set your mower deck higher than usual to avoid cutting the grass too short, as this can stress the newly planted sod. You’ll also want to avoid mowing right after watering or when the lawn is wet, as the weight of the mower on moist soil can create ruts and damage the delicate sod. By following these guidelines, you'll ensure a successful transition for your newly sodded lawn, promoting healthy growth and a lush, vibrant landscape on your property.

Wait Until About 2 Weeks After Sod Installation To Mow

If you've just had sod installed on your property, you're likely eager to give it its first trim. Hold on, though! Patience is key. You want to wait for about two weeks after the installation before you even think about firing up your mower. Why? Well, here's the deal: freshly laid sod needs time to establish strong roots in the soil. Mowing too soon can add unnecessary stress, and that's not what you want for your lovely new lawn.

After those two weeks have passed, it's time to check whether your sod is ready for its first trim. The best way to do this is to gently tug up on a corner of the sod. If it stays firmly rooted in place, that's a good indicator that its roots have dug in and are ready to handle the mowing process. But if it lifts up easily, hold off a bit longer until it's more firmly anchored in the ground. Remember, patience pays off when it comes to nurturing a newly sodded lawn.

Mow your newly sodded lawn with care by setting the lawn mower's deck height higher than usual.

Now that you've determined your sod is ready for its inaugural mow, let's talk about how to do it right. For this first mow, you'll want to set your mower deck higher than you usually would. This is because cutting the grass too short can stress out the sod and potentially cause damage. By setting the mower deck a bit higher, you give your sod a gentler, more gradual transition to its ideal height. This way, your sod remains healthy and resilient, ready to thrive in the long run.

When you mow your new lawn, ensure that your mower blades are sharp as this will prevent tearing and promote a clean, manicured look.

Don't water your sod the day before you plan to mow it.

Before you rev up that mower engine, here's a crucial tip: don't water your sod the day before you plan to mow. You might be wondering why. Well, it's all about making sure your sod is firm enough to withstand the weight of the mower. If the sod is too soft and moist, the mower can leave tire tracks and even tear up chunks of grass.

If your sod is too wet, the mower blades can also create a sort of suction effect, lifting the grass blades before they're properly cut. This can lead to an uneven and messy-looking lawn, which is not what you want. To avoid these complications, plan your mowing day wisely, ensuring your sod has had a chance to firm up. It'll result in a neater, healthier lawn that you can be proud of.

Give us a call today to sign up for lawn mowing or sod installation services.

At J&C Lawn Care, we can install sod on your property to give you an instantly beautiful lawn. We can also mow your lawn throughout the growing season, including for the first time after sod has been installed. We offer our sod installation and lawn mowing services to property owners in Gresham, OR, as well as surrounding areas like Happy Valley and Troutdale. Call us today at (971) 284-2035 to schedule any of our services.