Sod Installation

Sod Installation for Immediate Results and Long-Term Health

Installing sod is one of the fastest ways to dramatically improve your yard, but proper preparation is what determines how well it lasts. Revival Landscape installs sod with a focus on soil health, drainage, and root establishment.

We begin by removing existing grass and debris, then install enriched seeding soil to promote strong root growth. The area is carefully graded to ensure proper water flow away from structures before sod is installed.

We offer both sun and shade sod options to match your yard’s exposure. After installation, we provide guidance on watering and care to help your lawn establish quickly and evenly.

Sod Install Gallery

New Sod Watering & Care Recommendations

Proper watering and care are critical to the long-term success of your new sod. Following these guidelines will help your lawn establish strong roots and stay healthy in Minnesota’s changing climate.

Immediately After Installation (Weeks 1–4)

Watering Schedule

Begin watering as soon as the sod is installed.

Water twice per day
- Morning
- Evening
Run sprinklers for 15–20 minutes per zone
During extreme heat, wind, or full sun:
- Increase watering to 20–30 minutes
- The sod and the soil beneath it should be thoroughly wet

The sod should remain consistently moist but not flooded. If edges or corners begin to dry or curl, increase watering in those areas.

Foot Traffic & Lawn Use

Do not walk on new sod for the first 3–4 weeks
Avoid placing furniture, grills, or equipment on the lawn
Limit pets on the sod during the establishment period if possible

Foot traffic can prevent roots from properly establishing and may cause uneven settling.

Root Establishment Test

After 3–4 weeks, you can test root strength:

Gently lift a corner of the sod
If you feel resistance, roots are establishing
If it lifts easily, continue watering and avoid mowing or traffic

Mowing Your New Sod

Do not mow for at least 3–4 weeks
For the first mow:
- Set your mower deck ALL THE WAY UP (maximum cutting height)
- Only remove a small portion of the grass blade
Over the next few weeks:
- Gradually lower the mowing height
- Never cut more than ⅓ of the grass height at one time

Mowing Tips

Make slow, gentle turns
Avoid sharp pivots or spinning the mower on the sod
Mow only when the lawn is dry to prevent rutting

Grass Clippings

Always bag grass clippings during the first several mows
Heavy clumps of clippings left on new sod can smother the grass, restrict airflow, and trap moisture, causing areas of sod to thin or die

Bagging clippings allows the sod to breathe properly while roots are still establishing.

Watering After Establishment (Weeks 4–6)

Once roots have established:

Transition to watering once per day
Water for longer periods to encourage deeper root growth
Deep watering trains roots to grow down into the soil rather than staying shallow

After this phase, adjust watering based on rainfall and seasonal conditions.

Fertilizing Your Sod

Proper fertilization helps your new sod establish strong roots and maintain long-term health.

Do not fertilize immediately after installation
Wait 4–6 weeks before applying fertilizer
Use a starter fertilizer or slow-release fertilizer appropriate for new sod

After the lawn is established, we recommend fertilizing in the spring and fall to keep the grass healthy, strong, and well-rooted. Seasonal fertilization helps improve color, thickness, and resistance to heat, drought, and stress.