How to have a great lawn using sod

A beautiful lush green lawn adds curb appeal to anyone’s home. It looks inviting and it shows that you put care into maintaining your property: in addition it adds value to your home as well.

However, in reality we all know how challenging maintenance can be when it comes to having a perfect lawn. Whether a sparse, weedy lawn needs renewing or you’re looking at a barren backyard, laying sod can be an easy and instant way to enhance your landscaping.

What is sod?

Sod or turf is grass and the part of the soil beneath it held together by roots. It is used for lawns, golf courses and sports stadiums. In residential construction, it is sold to landscapers, home builders or home owners who want to establish a lawn quickly or avoid erosion.

Can you lay sod over existing grass?

Actually you could create a lot of problems by laying fresh sod over an existing lawn. It could kill your sod. Removing your old lawn first is crucial for a healthy root system. It is important the root system reaches the soil bed. If there is a layer of lawn beneath the sod, it will put a tremendous strain on your new sod and it will most likely kill your new sod within a few weeks.

What steps should be done to have a great lawn using sod?

Soil Test

The best way to provide the perfect environment for turf is to test the soil. Most turf grasses thrive in well-aerated soil with a pH slightly toward the acidic side (between 6 and 7.5). To take a soil test, gather soil samples from several places around the area you will be sodding.

Measure your yard

There are some important steps you should take before laying sod. First and most importantly is to accurately measure the surface area of your yard. Finding the exact measurement is important before ordering, to ensure you have enough material for the job. Ordering about 5 percent extra for fitting and cutting around curves.

Preparing your lawn

In preparing the lawn you must start by mowing your existing lawn as short as you can. Remove all grass clipping, rocks and sticks. Once you have cleared the lawn of debris, you must till the entire area with a rototiller about four to six inches deep. Then rake any loose debris again and pull up any roots.

Laying down an under layer of topsoil

Spread a layer of high quality top soil and grade your entire lawn’s surface so that it is level and free of holes and high spots. Once your lawn is level you want to begin watering the soil. You It should be damp and not muddy.

Lay the Sod

Start laying the sod along a straight edge like a fence, flower bed, driveway or sidewalk. Work with whole pieces laying them out end to end. Try to avoid walking on them as you work. Move to smooth out the surfaces and pat carefully into place. Stagger the sod like a course of bricks. A cheap carpet knife works well to cute the pieces. Fill in the spaces with topsoil or garden soil.

Roll Sod

Use a lawn roller to push sod firmly against the soil beneath. A tight connection between the roots of the sod and the soil beneath will help the roots establish themselves into the soil quickly.. Water your new sod daily except for days that it rains. Avoid puddling. If it does puddle, reduce the amount of watering After the first week, water every other day. What you are essentially doing is helping the grass grow its roots deeply into the soil below. This will ensure a healthy and hardy lawn.

Watering the Sod

Water the newly installed sod thoroughly and continue to water except for rainy days. After the first week reduce watering to every other day. Tapering off watering will encourage the roots to grow deeper into the soil.

Mowing the Grass

Your first mowing should be when the grass is about 3 inches long and no more than ten days after you laid down the sod. Avoid leaving grass clippings so be sure to use a grass catcher. Make sure your mower blades are sharp, as you don’t want to tear the newly rooted grass.

What kind of grass sod should I use?

There are many varieties of grasses to choose from such as Fescue Sod, Ryegrass Sod and Bluegrass Sod. Our professional team can help you determine what is the best fit for your landscape, depending on hardiness zones, sunlight vs. shade as well as other variables.