Complete Sod Care Guide for Florida Lawns
Expert watering schedules, maintenance tips, and seasonal care advice to keep your new sod healthy and thriving in Bradenton and Sarasota's Gulf Coast climate.
Your First 30-Day Watering Schedule
Proper watering is the single most important factor in sod establishment. Follow this week-by-week schedule for a healthy, rooted lawn.
Week 1: Establishment Phase
Follow these guidelines for optimal sod establishment
Key Guidelines
Never let new sod dry out during the first week. Brown edges indicate insufficient watering.
Essential Sod Maintenance Tips
Beyond watering, your new sod needs proper mowing, fertilization, and care to establish a deep, healthy root system.
First Mowing
Wait until your sod is firmly rooted before the first mow. Tug gently — if it resists, it’s ready. Set your mower to the highest setting and never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height.
First Fertilization
Wait at least 30 days before applying fertilizer to new sod. Use a starter fertilizer with higher phosphorus to promote root growth. Follow Manatee County fertilizer ordinance — no application during the summer blackout period (June-September).
Pest & Weed Control
Avoid herbicides on new sod for at least 6-8 weeks. Hand-pull any weeds that appear during establishment. Watch for chinch bugs in St. Augustine — irregular brown patches that spread quickly in hot weather require immediate treatment.
Traffic & Usage
Minimize foot traffic for the first 2-3 weeks. Light walking is okay after week 3. Full use including pets, children, and activities can resume after 4-6 weeks when roots are firmly anchored into the soil below.
Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar
Florida lawns need different care throughout the year. Follow this seasonal guide tailored for Bradenton and Sarasota's Gulf Coast climate.
Winter Care
December – February
Reduce watering to every 10-14 days
EssentialKeep mowing height at maximum
EssentialSpot-treat winter weeds as they appear
RecommendedProtect tropical plants from frost
RecommendedPlan spring landscape projects
OptionalService and clean mower equipment
OptionalWater only when grass shows signs of stress (blue-gray color, folded blades). Overwatering in winter causes fungal disease.
Some browning is normal for St. Augustine in winter. Don't panic — it will green up in spring. Avoid fertilizing until March.
Common Sod Problems & Solutions
Don't panic if your new sod shows signs of stress. Most issues are easily correctable with quick action.
Brown or Yellow Patches
Possible Causes
- Underwatering or overwatering
- Chinch bug damage
- Fungal disease (Large Patch)
- Dull mower blades tearing grass
Solutions
- Check soil moisture 2 inches deep — should be moist, not soggy
- Inspect for tiny black and white bugs at patch edges
- Improve air circulation and reduce evening watering
- Sharpen mower blades every 8-10 mowings
Sod Edges Curling or Shrinking
Possible Causes
- Insufficient watering during establishment
- Sod pieces drying out at seams
- Hot weather accelerating moisture loss
- Irrigation not reaching edges
Solutions
- Increase watering frequency immediately
- Hand-water edges and seams between scheduled irrigation
- Add a thin layer of topsoil to fill gaps between pieces
- Adjust sprinkler heads to ensure full coverage
Sod Not Rooting After 3 Weeks
Possible Causes
- Poor soil contact beneath sod
- Compacted soil preventing root penetration
- Excessive thatch layer under new sod
- Inconsistent watering schedule
Solutions
- Roll sod with a lawn roller to improve contact
- Ensure old grass was fully removed before installation
- Maintain consistent daily watering for another 1-2 weeks
- Contact us for a free follow‑up assessment
Mushrooms or Fungal Growth
Possible Causes
- Overwatering creating excess moisture
- Poor drainage in low areas
- Organic matter decomposing in soil
- Humid conditions with poor air flow
Solutions
- Reduce watering frequency and duration
- Improve drainage in affected areas
- Remove mushrooms by hand — most are harmless
- Ensure morning watering so grass dries by evening
Still Having Issues?
Our sod installation includes a 30‑day establishment warranty. If your new lawn isn't thriving, we'll come out for a free assessment.
Get Your Free Sod Care Checklist
Download our printable 30-day sod care checklist with daily watering reminders, mowing schedules, and maintenance milestones.
Need Professional Sod Installation?
Our expert team handles everything from soil preparation to installation and aftercare guidance. Get a lush, green lawn with a 30-day establishment warranty.