can I use a mulching mower on new sod? - Ask Extension
Last summer, the City tore up part of my large lawn during a utility project. In early Nov., 2025, they sodded about 1/4 of my yard. The sod mostly ...
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can I use a mulching mower on new sod? #930184
Asked April 30, 2026, 3:13 PM EDT
Last summer, the City tore up part of my large lawn during a utility project. In early Nov., 2025, they sodded about 1/4 of my yard. The sod mostly survived the winter, and is now green and growing well except for a few browned edges along the seams. The sod appears to have rooted in - I tried tugging on it. The other 3/4 of my yard is established turf grass with a lot of pollinator-friendly plants mixed in. I have always used a mulching mower; it's good for my lawn and it is a lot less work than bagging my grass clippings. A neighbor told me that a lawn company once told him not to use a mulching mower on new sod, because the mulched clippings would shade the the lawn too much and prevent the new sod from developing good roots. Is this true? If so, how long before I can go back to using a mulching mower?
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Lucy,
Your sod sounds well-established so there’s no reason not to use a mulching mower as long as the blade is sharp, you don’t scalp the grass and you don’t wait too long to mow. The mulched cuttings add nitrogen, which is great as long was the cuttings aren’t too long and fall in clumps on the sod.
Mowing higher is better, because the roots are basically a mirror of grass blades — longer grass means deeper roots. This is especially important in summer heat.
Thanks for the question.
