Caring for Sod, heading into Winter

[khardbored]

Hi fellow CFers,

Looking for advice. I had sod installed in a portion of my yard in mid September (had some utility work done). It was great timing because it was right before we got several rain storms, not too hot, not too cold. It took off well.

I've only mowed once, about 10 days ago. Now it's kinda long again, and looks like it could be mowed again, but with the temperatures dropping below freezing at night, is that OK?

So my question is: Is it best to mow one more time before winter, or best to leave the grass a bit longer over winter?

For reference, I live in central Iowa and this part of the yard will get walked on a fair bit during the winter.

Thanks!

 

[dmclone]

I've always mowed long in the heat of the summer and on the last cut of the year, I mow it short.

 

[2020cy]

If it looks good I’d probably cut it once more. Not shorter than 2.5 or 3 inches. Might mulch up some leaves also. Don’t want piles of leaves laying on grass.

 

[chuckd4735]

If the sod is established you should be OK I'd think. I always mow between 2.5 and 3" in the fall.

 

[blizzisu]

Fast release fertilizer before the next rain and it will green up nicely in spring. This allows the roots to store energy for spring.

 

[IcSyU]

Cut it at 3". You should be rooted since it's been down for 2 months.

 

[khardbored]

Thanks all. Good input.