If you’re looking to start a new lawn, laying down, sod can be a quick and effective way to achieve a lush green yard. However, if you’re new to sodding, you may wonder how long does it take for sod to become established into the soil underneath, and how does sod grow? The answer is not as straightforward as you might think, as several factors affect the rooting process.
The time it takes for sod to root can depend on various factors, including the type of sod, the time of year, and the installation process. In general, sod will develop initial shallow roots within 10-14 days after it is laid. However, it can take up to six weeks for the sod to develop deep roots that lead to an established lawn. Proper preparation, installation, and maintenance can help encourage root growth and speed up the process.
In our guide, you can learn more about the factors affecting how long it takes for rooting sod until topsoil adhere to the new roots. By the end, you’ll better understand your sod installation, get the best lawn possible, and how to encourage your sod to take root faster. (Learn How Do Weeds Grow)
What is Sod?
Sod, also known as turf, is a layer of grass grown on top of a layer of soil. It is typically sold in rolls or squares and is used to create an instant lawn. When you install sod, you essentially transplant a fully-grown lawn onto your property.
This means you can have a beautiful lawn in hours instead of waiting weeks or months for grass seeds to grow. Once you get sod taking root, you have saved a fair amount of time.
Sod Rooting Process
The success of laying sod for a new lawn depends mainly on the rooting process. Here’s what you need to know about how long it take for sod to take root and how to encourage healthy root growth.
Before Installation: Check the Soil
Before installing sod, it’s essential to check the soil to ensure it’s healthy and ready to support the new lawn. Compacted soil can hinder root growth and lead to air pockets, damaging the sod’s roots. To get root faster and prevent this, ensure the ground is properly prepared with topsoil and quality fertilizer.
Installation Time: Choose Wisely
The time of year you install your sod can also affect its rooting process. Installing sod during the early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid the day’s heat.
This will help the sod establish itself faster and promote healthy root growth. Once the sod is in place, it can take up to six weeks for deep root growth to occur.
Shallower root growth, however, can develop in sod after 1 week. To encourage growth, it’s essential to water the sod frequently and consistently but avoid over-watering as this can lead to disease and other issues.
When Does Sod Start to Root?
After installing sod, it is vital to establish a strong root system to ensure long-term health and a lush lawn. You may wonder, how long does it take for the sod to be a natural part of your garden? The growth of sod involves developing shallower roots, then longer roots for a sustainable root system.
Proper yard preparation, watering, and fertilization help promote root growth and encourage full root establishment. (Read When Is The Best Time To Lay Sod)
When Does Sod Develop Shallow Roots?
When conditions are ideal, sod roots take root into the soil sufficiently within 10 to 14 days of installation. New sod starts to develop a shallow root system, which helps it adhere to the soil underneath.
It is important to water the sod frequently during this period to ensure the soil stays moist and to avoid any air pockets that may hinder the deep root system from establishing. According to experts, new sod should be watered every day for the first week, then every other day for the next two weeks.
After that, watering can be reduced to twice a week. However, adjusting watering frequency based on weather and soil moisture levels is essential.
When Does Sod Develop Deep Roots?
After sod take root and has developed shallow roots in the growing process, sod grows deep roots to find a consistent supply of water and nutrients. This takes about two weeks but can vary based on weather and soil quality.
It is essential to avoid walking or placing any foot traffic on the grass during this period to prevent any damage to the grass immediately developing strong roots. A lawn roller immediately after sod installation can help ensure the soil is compacted and free of air pockets, promoting healthy root growth.
However, it is important to continue proper watering and fertilization to maintain the health of healthy roots throughout the sod and encourage long-term growth.
How Can You Tell if Sod is Rooted?
Once you have laid your sod, how long does it take sod to root is vital to know. Here are some signs to look for:
- Wait for roughly two weeks after laying the sod to check for rootedness. Tug gently on the edge of several different pieces of sod in different areas of your lawn. If the sod does not come up quickly, it is likely rooted.
- Another way to check is to lift one corner of a sod piece gently. If the roots have not fully developed, you can lift the sod quickly.
- Inspect the new lawns’ sod roots; the sod should have short roots at least an inch long. After six weeks, the sod should have a deep rooting system of at least six inches long.
4 Common Lawn Mistakes Homeowners Make
1. Watering Too Frequently
Watering sod too frequently can result in the lawn failing to establish a deep root system. New sod should be watered for at least 45 minutes immediately after installation to allow lawn and soil to gather moisture. It is important to gradually increase the time between waterings to promote healthy root growth.
2. Mowing Too Short
The general rule of thumb is never to cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. This helps encourage the growth and development of deep roots.
3. Watering at the Wrong Time
Watering at the wrong time of day can also be detrimental to the growth of your new sod lawn. Watering in the early morning is the best time, as it allows the grass to dry and prevents the development of fungal diseases.
4. Fertilizing Too Much
While fertilizer is important for the growth of your new lawn, it is important to not overdo it. Applying too much fertilizer can cause the grass to grow too quickly, leading to shallow roots and a weaker lawn. (Read When To Water Lawn After Applying Scotts Weed And Feed)
Tips for Faster Sod Rooting
Prepare Your Lawn Before Laying Sod
Before laying new sod, it is important to prepare the soil properly. Remove any old grass and weeds and loosen the soil to a depth of at least six inches. Add topsoil or compost to improve soil quality and ensure that the sod’s roots can adhere to the soil beneath.
Lay Sod the Same Day it is Delivered.
Sod can last on the pallet for up to 24 hours, but it is not recommended you leave it that because of how long does sod take to root out. Once the exposed roots dry out, the sod will die and not recover.
Use a Lawn Roller
After laying new sod, use a lawn roller to ensure the sod’s roots make good contact with the soil beneath. This removes air pockets from forming, which hinders root development.
Water New Sod Frequently
New sod needs consistent watering to encourage strong root growth throughout. Water the sod immediately after installation and then every day for the first week. After the first week, reduce watering to every other day for the next two weeks.
Fertilize New Sod
Applying a quality fertilizer to newly laid sod can promote healthy root growth and help to establish a sustainable root system. Use a liquid fertilizer for faster results. (Learn How Long Does Milorganite Take To Work On A Lawn)
Wait Two Weeks Before Mowing
Avoid walking on newly installed sod for the first two weeks to allow the deeper roots to take hold. Wait until the grass has reached a height of at least three inches before you begin mowing again.
These detailed instructions can promote complete root development and help your sod grow deep roots.
