New Sod Care in Ontario: Watering, Mowing and Fertilizing for the First 60 Days
You just invested in a brand-new lawn. The next 60 days decide whether it becomes a thick, healthy carpet or a patchwork of brown seams. The good news is that new sod care is simple if you get the watering right. This week-by-week guide is the same advice we give homeowners after every sod installation in London, St. Thomas, Strathroy, Komoka, Ilderton and Dorchester.
The golden rule: water deep, then water less often
New sod has short roots sitting on top of the soil. Early on, you want the sod and the top of the soil beneath it moist so roots grow down. As roots establish, you water less often but more deeply, which trains them to chase water downward and makes the lawn more drought-tolerant.
Day 1: soak it
Start watering as soon as possible after the sod is laid, ideally within an hour for the first sections.
Water until the sod is saturated and the soil underneath is wet. Lift a corner and check: the soil should be dark and damp, not dry.
Pay extra attention to edges along driveways, walkways and patios. Hard surfaces heat up and dry sod faster.
Week 1: keep it consistently moist
Water every day, typically in the morning.
On hot, windy days, add a short second watering in the early afternoon.
Avoid walking on it except to move hoses or sprinklers.
Weeks 2 and 3: start tapering
By now, roots are starting to grip. Try the tug test: gently lift a corner. If it resists, roots are knitting in.
Reduce to about every other day, watering a bit longer each time.
Watch for shrinking seams or grey-blue patches. Those mean that area is drying out.
Week 4 and beyond: deep, infrequent watering
Shift to deep watering one to two times per week depending on heat and rain.
A good benchmark: the Ontario government notes that Kentucky bluegrass needs about 2.5 cm of water per week to avoid going dormant. Put a tuna can or rain gauge on the lawn to measure.
Water in the early morning. Evening watering keeps blades wet overnight and can encourage disease.
Mowing new sod
First mow: once the sod has rooted and the grass is about 3 to 4 inches tall, usually two to three weeks in.
Blade: sharp. Dull blades tear grass and stress new turf.
Height: keep it high. Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single cut.
Conditions: mow when the sod is dry enough that your mower won't leave ruts.
Fertilizing
Sod from a reputable Ontario farm arrives well fed. Wait about four to six weeks, until the sod has rooted, before applying fertilizer. If you install in late summer or fall, a fall lawn fertilizer once the sod is established helps it go into winter strong.
Weeds and herbicides
New sod is sensitive. Hold off on weed killers until the lawn is well established and has been mowed several times. Hand-pull any weeds that pop up along seams in the meantime.
Foot traffic, kids and dogs
Keep traffic light for the first two weeks.
Give it four weeks before regular play or heavy use.
If you have dogs, rotate their bathroom spot and water it down afterward. Urine spots show up quickly on young turf.
Fall sod care
Sod installed in fall still needs water until the ground freezes, even though temperatures are cooler. Keep watering when rain is light, mow as needed, and rake leaves off quickly so they don't smother the new grass. Fall is one of our favourite times to lay sod. Here's why fall is ideal for sod installation.
Troubleshooting new sod
Gaps between rolls: under-watering. Water more and keep seams moist.
Yellow or brown patches: usually drying out, often near hard edges or on high spots.
Squishy, smelly sod or mushrooms: too much water or poor drainage underneath. Ease off and check grading. Our yard drainage guide can help.
Sod lifting easily after three weeks: roots aren't establishing. Check that soil underneath is moist, not bone dry or waterlogged.
Quick 60-day schedule
Day 1: soak the sod and the soil underneath.
Days 2 to 7: water daily, more on hot days.
Days 8 to 21: every other day, longer sessions.
Day 14 to 21: first mow when rooted and 3 to 4 inches tall.
Day 28 onward: deep water about once or twice a week, roughly 2.5 cm total including rain.
Weeks 4 to 6: first fertilizer application.
Frequently asked questions
Can I overwater new sod?
Yes. Constantly soggy soil starves roots of oxygen. Aim for moist, not puddled.
Should I water new sod if it rains?
Light rain usually isn't enough. Check the soil under a corner and top up if it's dry.
What if I'm going away?
Use a hose timer or ask a neighbour. A few missed days in week one can cost you sections of sod.
Does SPM provide care instructions?
Yes. Every sod job comes with clear aftercare guidance, and we're a phone call away if something looks off.
Need new sod installed?
SPM Landscape & Excavation installs premium sod with proper grading and topsoil across London and Southwestern Ontario. Call or text (519) 474-0008 or see our sod installation page.
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