Top Reasons Your New Sod is Failing (And How to Fix It)

Fresh sod is a great way to achieve a lush, green lawn instantly, but sometimes new sod doesn’t thrive as expected. If you’ve recently installed sod in your Georgia lawn and it’s turning brown, patchy, or not rooting properly, there could be a few key reasons why. At Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping in Cumming, we help homeowners achieve healthy, vibrant lawns, and we’ve seen firsthand the most common issues that cause new sod to fail. Here’s what might be going wrong and how to fix it.

1. Insufficient Watering

One of the most common reasons new sod fails is not enough water. Sod needs consistent moisture to establish roots in the soil, especially during Georgia’s hot summers.

Signs of Underwatering:

• Dry, curling, or shrinking sod pieces
• Gaps appearing between sod rolls
• Grass turning brown or yellow

Solution:

• Water immediately after installation and at least twice a day for the first two weeks.
• Reduce watering frequency after sod establishes roots, but still provide 1-1.5 inches per week.
• Water in the morning or evening to prevent evaporation.

2. Overwatering

While insufficient watering is an issue, too much water can be just as damaging. Overwatering prevents roots from establishing properly and can lead to disease.

Signs of Overwatering:

• Mushy or soggy grass
• Fungus or mold growth
• Roots failing to take hold in the soil

Solution:

• Avoid watering at night to prevent prolonged moisture retention.
• Ensure your lawn has proper drainage to prevent standing water.
• Gradually reduce watering after the first two weeks to encourage deep root growth.

3. Poor Soil Preparation

Healthy sod starts with healthy soil. If the ground wasn’t properly prepared before installation, the sod may struggle to take root.

Common Soil Issues:

• Compacted soil that prevents root penetration
• Low-nutrient or unbalanced soil pH
• Excessive clay or sand content

Solution:

• Before laying sod, aerate or till the soil to loosen compaction.
• Test the soil’s pH and amend it if necessary (ideal pH for sod is 6.0–7.0).
• Apply starter fertilizer before installation to boost nutrient availability.

4. Improper Installation

Laying sod might seem simple, but mistakes in the process can cause long-term lawn failure.

Installation Mistakes:

• Gaps between sod pieces allow weeds to grow.
• Uneven surfaces cause drainage issues.
• Failing to press down on the sod leads to air pockets.

Solution:

• Lay sod in a staggered brick pattern to avoid visible seams.
• Use a lawn roller after installation to remove air pockets and ensure good soil contact.
• Apply topsoil in low areas to prevent water pooling.

5. Pest or Disease Problems

Georgia’s warm climate makes sod susceptible to pests and fungal infections.

Signs of Pest/Disease Issues:

• Patches of sod turning yellow or brown despite proper watering
• Evidence of grubs, armyworms, or fungal growth
• Grass pulling up easily (a sign of root damage from pests)

Solution:

• Monitor for insect damage and apply eco-friendly pest control if needed.
• Treat fungal infections with appropriate lawn fungicides.
• Mow at the right height (2.5 to 3 inches) to prevent stress.

Give Your Sod the Best Start with Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping

Installing new sod is an investment, and ensuring it thrives takes the right approach. If your sod is struggling or you need professional sod installation in Cumming, GA, Pannone’s Lawn Pros & Landscaping is here to help.

Contact us today for expert lawn care services and let’s turn your failing sod into a thriving lawn!