Common Sod Mistakes to Avoid — Do Not Make These Errors
Most problems with new sod are caused by mistakes made during planning, preparation, or the first few weeks after installation. Avoid these common errors and your sod will establish healthy and strong.
Mistake 1: Did You Order Enough Sod?
The mistake: Measuring your yard and ordering the exact amount with no extra. You inevitably need more for cuts around edges, curves, and irregular shapes — and some pieces may arrive damaged.
How to avoid: Always order 5-10% more than your calculated amount. A few extra rolls is far better than coming up short and having to wait for another delivery. Use the calculator with waste factor built in →
Mistake 2: Laying Sod Over Old Grass?
The mistake: Thinking the new sod will smother the old grass underneath. The old vegetation dies, rots, and creates an uneven surface. More importantly, the sod roots cannot penetrate a layer of dead grass to reach the soil.
How to avoid: Remove all existing vegetation before laying sod. Use a non-selective herbicide, wait 10-14 days, then remove the dead material completely.
Mistake 3: Waiting Too Long to Install?
The mistake: Having sod delivered and thinking you can install it "tomorrow" or "over the weekend." Sod is a living product. Inside the rolled-up pallet, temperatures rise rapidly as the grass respires, literally cooking itself from the inside.
How to avoid: Install sod the same day it is delivered, or within 24 hours at most. In hot weather (above 85°F), install within 24 hours. If you cannot install immediately, unroll the sod and water it.
Mistake 4: Watering Too Much or Too Little?
The mistake: Either underwatering (letting the sod dry out) or overwatering (keeping it constantly waterlogged). Both kill sod. Underwatering dries out the roots. Overwatering causes root rot and fungal disease.
How to avoid: Follow the watering schedule. Water deeply enough to soak through the sod into the soil below. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Reduce frequency gradually after week 2.
Mistake 5: Mowing Too Early or Too Short?
The mistake: Mowing before the sod has rooted, or cutting it too short. New sod needs its leaf blades to photosynthesize and generate energy for root growth. Cutting too soon or too short starves the roots.
How to avoid: Wait until grass reaches 3-4 inches before the first mow. Set the mower to its highest setting. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height.
Mistake 6: Using Weed Killer Before Roots Are Ready?
The mistake: Seeing a few weeds in new sod and applying herbicide before the roots have established. New sod is stressed and vulnerable. Herbicide can damage or kill it during the establishment period.
How to avoid: Wait at least 8 weeks after installation before applying any weed killer. Pull weeds by hand in the meantime. By 8 weeks, the sod should be well-rooted enough to tolerate herbicide.