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New sod and fall leaves

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http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/1561005852/m/8223901367

Sep 17, 2012, 08:26 PM
gsndc
New sod and fall leaves
Hi. I had some sod installed a week ago and now the leaves on our backyard trees are starting to fall. I'm worried that it will cause brown patches in the yard.
Does anyone know if it's ok to rake the sod when it has only been a short amount of time since the installation? I know we're also not supposed to walk on it for a while either.
Sep 18, 2012, 11:00 AM
conrad
The new sod needs a chance to root to the soil beneath. Normally when the leaves first start to fall the coverage is light, so there should be no real issue with them covering the sod for a couple of weeks. You could also use a blower to blow off the leaves (or vacuum reverse blower) to rid the leaves from the area...if you feel it necessary.
Sep 18, 2012, 01:05 PM
16paws
I would try to get the leaves off with a blower. Nearby neighbor didn't the year that we all moved into our homes and lost the grass when it got smothered by wet oak leaves.
Sep 18, 2012, 03:16 PM
conrad
Yes, I would agree that eventually one would need to remove the leaves (or mulch them), but new sod may need being left alone as far as raking and walking on for a couple of weeks.

Do keep it moist and watered however.
Sep 19, 2012, 07:58 AM
gsndc
Thank you everyone for the responses. The blower or vacuuming sound like good options.
Sep 19, 2012, 01:33 PM
conrad
There are electric blower/vacs that are made to do both the blowing and mulch/vacuuming (one unit), if you don't mind the extension cord. They can be a help for fall leaf pickup under and around bushes too.