Do you feel like putting down new sod during the fall months? Be careful about your approach. Some rainfall and the cooler temperatures will stop it from drying early. It is still important to focus on maintenance, or else it will dry out, and wither before the arrival of winter. Be careful about things like mowing frequency and watering schedules, and make sure the sprinkler system is working well.
Watering New Sod During The Fall – Why Does It Matter?
New sod has shallow roots, sitting on the top layer of the soil. The edges can curl if it dries out.
You should keep it moist for the initial two weeks. Usually, fall sod needs up to 1.5 inches of water per week. If you find the temperature quite high, tweak the watering frequency a bit. If you are using a fixed spray nozzle, check its run time. Rotary nozzles help release water slowly.
So, what is the best practice? Water the sod before the daytime temperature gets high. Avoid evening watering, as that can cause fungal growth. If the sod feels somewhat squishy, you are overwatering. Dry edges indicate you need to water it more.
Mowing New Sod – Timing Matters
To mow new sod successfully, you must focus on timing. Mowing it too early may slow down root growth. If you wait too long, grass blades become taller than normal, leading to improper sunlight distribution.
You have to check its root system carefully. Lift a corner and check for resistance. Light resistance indicates proper root anchoring. It usually takes 2-3 weeks. As the grass reaches three inches, start mowing. This will ensure proper cutting.
Fertilizing – is it needed in fall?
The answer is yes, but avoid using a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Excess nitrogen will hamper root growth. Choose a starter fertilizer with a good mix of potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Potassium helps the sod cope with cold, which is necessary in the winter days. Avoid using weed-and-feed solutions as such herbicides can be hard on growing sod.
Should you roll the sod?
Not everyone does this, but do not skip it. Use a lawn roller just after installation, as it boosts soil contact and dissolves air pockets. This helps the sod roots grow quickly. For areas drying out faster, try using a roller half-filled with water.
Errors to avoid when you plant new sod during the fall
- Overwatering or underwatering- Use water carefully, as new sod does not need too much or too little.
- Mowing too fast- If you don’t wait until the new sod develops roots before mowing, it will get damaged.
- Ignoring the sprinkler system- Check if the irrigation system has proper head-to-head coverage. Look out for misting and runoff.
- Using the wrong fertilizer- Choosing a fertilizer with too much nitrogen will weaken the grass.
- Skipping aeration afterward- Do not skip checking the soil condition for aeration. Compact soil can affect oxygen flow to the roots. Consider aerating the soil in Spring.
What You Should Do?
When the sod is not deeply rooted, winter frost can wreck havoc. If the temperature drops below 40°F, reduce watering. However, do not stop watering completely. The roots must remain slightly moist until the outside temperature reaches freezing.
Additionally, make sure the sod is not exposed to heavy foot traffic. Frozen grass blades can get damaged easily, delaying recovery.
Wrapping it up
So, you can see that looking after new sod in the fall is not difficult. Just make sure you balance watering, mowing, and fertilizing. You want to avoid a lawn full of thin, patchy grass! Also, check your sprinkler system’s performance for proper sod development. Once the sod establishes strong roots, you will have a healthy, lush lawn by spring.
Last modified: March 14, 2025
