Sod Lawn Maintenance Essentials: Watering, Mowing, and Fertilizing Tips
Scott's Sod • July 18, 2025
You finally installed fresh sod. It looked perfect—at first. So why does it already seem like it’s going downhill?
- Why does your fresh new lawn look worse after a few weeks than it did on day one?
- Why are there brown patches showing up even though you’re watering like crazy?
- And do you really need to mow that often?
Many Calgary homeowners roll out sod thinking the hard part is over, but what comes next is just as important.
Keep reading to learn what your lawn needs, when to water, how often to mow, and what to feed it, to keep it looking sharp long after the install.
Water Right or the Rest Doesn’t Matter
New sod is thirsty and needs regular, deep watering in the early weeks to establish strong roots and settle in.
- Days 1–14: Water daily, preferably in the morning. Wet the soil 3–4 inches deep, not just a light surface sprinkle
- Avoid walking on it too much during this phase so the roots can do their thing
- Start tapering off around week 3, once the sod resists lifting and shows signs of rooting
Watering Established Sod
Once your lawn is established, switch to deep watering twice a week, depending on Calgary’s weather.
- Early morning is best because it reduces evaporation and gives grass time to dry out before evening (preventing fungus)
- Watch for signs of stress like curling blades, dull colour, or footprints that don’t bounce back
- Underwatering weakens the lawn and overwatering invites disease — find the sweet spot
Timing Is Everything When Mowing
Let your new sod to grow to 3.5–4 inches before mowing, which typically takes 10–14 days after installation.
- Ensure the sod is well-rooted first by giving it a gentle tug
- Mow on a dry day with sharp blades
- Cut only the top one-third of the grass height. Too much, too soon, will shock the grass
Regular Mowing for Established Sod
For ongoing maintenance, stick to these mowing guidelines:
- Keep your grass at about 2.5 to 3 inches during summer. Taller grass holds moisture better and shades out weeds
- Mow regularly enough that you’re never cutting more than one-third of the blade at a time
- Adjust your mowing pattern to prevent compacted ruts or uneven wear
Feed the Lawn, Fuel the Growth
Wait about 4–6 weeks after installation to apply your first round of fertilizer. This strategy gives roots time to establish before encouraging top growth.
- Use a starter fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content (look for a 10-25-10 or similar blend) to support root development
- Water deeply after applying
- Avoid fertilizing in extreme heat
Fertilizing Established Lawns
Established sod benefits from a seasonal fertilization schedule:
- Early spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer to wake up the lawn after winter
- Mid-summer: Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to maintain colour and growth
- Early fall: Switch to a fertilizer with higher potassium to strengthen roots for winter
You Paid for Green. Let’s Keep It That Way
You put in the work (and the money) to lay that sod. Keep it healthy, thick, and green by knowing when to water, when to mow, and how to feed it right.
At Scott’s Sod, we’ve helped hundreds of Calgary homeowners start and maintain beautiful, durable lawns that last. We’ve got expert advice, premium products, and a no-pressure approach from folks who
dig
this stuff.
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A healthy, lush lawn doesn’t happen by accident—it requires the right care and maintenance. One of the most effective ways to promote strong, vibrant grass is through aeration. But what exactly is aeration, why is it important, and when should you do it? Let’s break it down. What is Lawn Aeration? Lawn aeration is the process of creating small holes in the soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to penetrate deeper into the root zone. Over time, soil can become compacted due to foot traffic, heavy lawn equipment, and natural settling. Compacted soil makes it difficult for grass roots to access the essential elements they need to thrive. Aeration alleviates this compaction, promoting healthier root growth and improving overall lawn health. The Key Benefits of Aeration Enhanced Nutrient Absorption – Aeration allows essential nutrients, water, and oxygen to reach the root system more effectively, leading to stronger, healthier grass. Reduced Soil Compaction – Frequent use of your lawn—whether from kids playing, pets running, or regular mowing—can lead to compacted soil. Aeration helps break up this compaction, allowing roots to grow freely. Improved Root Development – Deep, well-developed roots are key to a resilient and drought-resistant lawn. Aeration encourages roots to expand deeper into the soil. Thatch Reduction – Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic matter that can build up on your lawn, blocking water and nutrients. Aeration helps break down thatch, improving soil structure. Stronger, More Resilient Grass – With better access to nutrients and oxygen, your lawn will be greener, thicker, and better able to withstand stressors like heat, drought, and heavy use. When is the Best Time to Aerate Your Lawn? Timing is crucial when it comes to aeration. The best time to aerate depends on the type of grass you have: Cool-Season Grasses (Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Ryegrass): Aerate in early spring or early fall when the grass is actively growing. Warm-Season Grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine): Aerate in late spring or early summer when the grass is in peak growing season (These varieties are not common to see in Alberta). In Southern Alberta, because of our soil type, we recommend aeration be done at most once a year for most lawns. If you have installed new sod or grass seed recently, it is recommended that you wait around 2 years before aerating it for the first time. If you notice water pooling on the surface, thinning grass, or difficulty inserting a screwdriver into the soil, it’s a good indication that your lawn could use aeration. How to Aerate Your Lawn Aeration can be done using either a spike aerator (which creates holes by pushing spikes into the soil) or a core aerator (which removes small plugs of soil). Core aeration is the most effective method for reducing compaction and improving soil health. If you’re not sure how or when to aerate, hiring a professional lawn care service can ensure the job is done right. Final Thoughts Aeration is a simple but highly effective way to keep your lawn healthy, resilient, and beautiful. By aerating at the right time and following up with proper watering and fertilization, you’ll enjoy a greener, thicker lawn that stands up to the elements. If you’re ready to give your lawn a boost, consider scheduling an aeration service this season! Need help with aeration? Scott’s Sod offers professional aeration services to keep your lawn in top shape. Contact us today to book your service!
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