Lawn Mowing Tips

Whether your mow your own lawn, a neighbor’s or friend’s, be sure you know these lawn mowing tips. For more information about mowing and lawn maintenance in general, call the sod and lawn experts at Sierra Sod.

How often should you mow your lawn?

Newly sodded lawns should not be mowed for at least ten days. Thereafter, mow often enough to keep clippings short 1/4 to 1/2 inches. Long clippings left on the lawn can lead to “thatch,” choking the lawn and inhibiting water penetration. Sod grows best when maintained at a height of 11/2 to 2 inches.

How much grass should be cut?

Grass goes into shock from curtailed food production if more than 1/3 of the grass blade is cut off at any one time. Even if your grass has grown quite long, cut only a third, then wait a few days before mowing again.

How to mow a lawn:

After ten days, mow newly sodded lawn at a 45 degree angle to the sod strips. Use a sharpened mower, because a dull mower frays grass tips, making the lawn look brown. Be careful to avoid “scalping“ when mowing around flower beds or over uneven ground.

Mowing should be frequent enough so clippings are not longer than 1/4 to 1/2 inches in length. If they are kept this short, they can remain on the lawn, as short clippings decompose more quickly into healthy compost. Long clippings can develop a “thatch” effect and possibly choke the lawn or inhibit water penetration.

Additional Information

Roll Size- 24″ wide X 48″ long = 8 sq. ft. Sod Thickness-5/8 to 3/4″ Sod Weight- 45 to 50 pounds per roll. Our sod is harvested in eight square foot rolls, which are lighter and easier to install. We also have the ability to harvest and install 30″ wide big rolls for large-scale installations.

Measuring & Ordering Sod

To get started now, measure the area of sod lawn needed and subtract areas not to be sodded. Area equals length times width. Whatever is left over is the amount you should order in square feet. It is not wise to cut corners. Give yourself a generous surplus for patching and extras. We have provided calculators below, making it easier to find out exactly how much sod you will need to order to fill your desired area.