The perfect landscape that you have always wanted is not just a dream anymore, with the help of expert tips on how to lay sod on your own, you can get the desired result you’ve always dreamed of. In this article, we guide you through the process of how to lay sod with clear, concise, easy-to-follow instructions that can enable you to create a perfect-looking lawn.
Starting from how and when to prepare the soil, to how to properly place each piece of sod – it’s all going to be laid out in simple steps for anyone interested in doing this project. There is nothing as disappointing as having an awful-looking improper green section in the middle of a well-maintained lawn. So, it is now time to elevate your landscape to new heights of aesthetic appeal with our ideal guide on how to put down sod for that picture-perfect landscape!
Why Choose Sod?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore the benefits of using sod for your landscape:
Instant Germination:
One advantage of sod compared to seeding is its ability to establish a lawn much faster. Unlike seeds, which may take weeks or months to germinate and mature, sod provides an immediate green surface. This can be beneficial for property owners who require a finished lawn quickly and desire to utilize the outdoor space sooner.
Erosion Control:
It is important to note that exposed soil can be susceptible to erosion, especially during heavy rain. Sodding helps mitigate this risk by providing immediate ground cover, reducing the potential for soil loss.
Weed Suppression:
These are rapidly induced only in established sod that provides a compact cover that prevents the germination of weeds and competition for available resources. This means that you spend a shorter time in the weeding and more time with a beautiful lawn and other activities.
Reduced Dust:
As with other natural elements, the bare soil poses varying risks depending on the climate of the growing region; it is capable of producing dust. Regularly maintained sod lawns improve dust problems hence contributing to the improvement of cleanliness in such areas.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Lay Sod for a Perfect Landscape
Now that you’ve decided to embark on your sodding journey, let’s get started! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Planning and Preparation:
Measure the Area: Compare the length and width of the area to be sodded to ensure precision and get accurate dimensions of the specific area. It is suggested to purchase slightly more – about 5-10% more of the required amount due to the possible cuts and lack of symmetry in the shape of the planting area.
Contact Local Sod Suppliers: Find out more about sod research and to get the right suppliers of sods, make sure you get in touch with the best suppliers from your region. Ask what various types of sod available are, the cost, and whether they delivery the products. Down to Earth Landscape and Irrigation can help you collaborate with reliable sod suppliers so as to provide you with fresh quality sod for the project.
Clear the Area: Eradicate all features in the site, including weeds, shrubs, litter, and stones that may obstruct the work. Sod installation requires the preparation of a leveled flat surface with little details which are elaborated below.
Grading the Soil: Bury the seeds by raking the soil to level it to ensure that the seeds will not be exposed to the air. Level and compact the area to remove any dips if the terrain has high points that need to be leveled to allow water to flow accurately.
2. Soil Preparation:
Loosen the Soil: Dig the soil using a rototiller or a garden fork by turning the upper layer of soil for 2-3 inches. This is especially useful as it enables porosity and therefore enables better root development and penetration of water.
Amending the Soil: Depending on the results of the soil test one may need to change the type of soil. Typical supplements include compost, sand in case the soil type of the lawn is clay and requires enhancement of the drainage, or lime in case the soil pH is low. Experts at Down To Earth Landscape and Irrigation can help you through the process with their expert guidance and trained specialists.
3. Sod Installation:
Delivery Day: See to it that the delivery of the sod is done on a cool cloudy day to reduce the chances of it drying up before you lay it. Keep in mind that the sods should be laid immediately after they are delivered, but if this is not feasible, then it should be done within 24 hours.
Start Laying Sod: Start the sod placement parallel to a straight edge to start with such as a concrete pavement or a tarred road. Place the first strip of sod and then lay it down carefully to ensure that they make good contact with the area being prepared.
Seaming the Sod: Butt the edges of subsequent sod rolls together as needed so that they are interlocked like bricks in a wall. When needed, use a sod knife to cut and sew in any shape that may be necessary to fit around blockages such as corners or other odd forms. Do not pull the sod to cover more ground, some parts may turn into a different hue or grow abnormally in height.
Watering the Sod: After all sod is installed on the lawn, spend some time properly irrigating the entire area. The purpose is to water the soil up to the fourth to the sixth inch. The idea is to make it wet up to the fourth, fifth, or sixth inch of the ground. Water sod daily for the first 2 weeks while gradually reducing the frequency as the roots grow stronger.
4. Aftercare for a Thriving Lawn:
Mowing: Before mowing the new sod for the first time, it is equally advisable to wait for it to grow and root well, usually between 2 to 4 weeks. Ensure that the mower blade is set to the highest height and do not make tight turns on the new grass.
Watering: Ensure that the sod is watered frequently particularly during dry seasons though it must be noted that this is a very delicate process. Try to avoid daily watering which only irrigates the surface of the soil; Instead, water the soil deeply.
Fertilizing: If you wish to do something more, after about six weeks, you can apply a new lawn starter fertilizer to the new sod. Down to Earth Landscape and Irrigation can inform you about the right choice of fertilizer for your type of sod as well as the right application rate according to your soil type.
Weed Control: Although the established sod is effective in preventing weeds, it may be impossible to eliminate all the weeds. Any weeds that come in should be pulled by hand or better still you can apply a selective herbicide that is compatible for use on new lawns.
Maintaining a Healthy Sod Lawn:
By following these aftercare tips and maintaining the watering and mowing of the new sod lawn regularly, it will be healthy and green for years. But if you have some issues such as pest issues that keep coming back, problems with erratic growth about the lawn, or drainage issues, then do not hesitate to seek help from an expert. Down to Earth Landscape and Irrigation has all it takes to determine whatever challenges and even propound remedies to ensure your sod lawn is as healthy as it can be.
From Bare Patch to Beautiful Landscape, Embrace the Potential of The Sod
Laying sod is quite easy, and the result is almost immediate with the ability to give your landscape a total makeover. These are the ways you can attain the ideal lawn and this will not take ample time to perform. Just always ensure that the soil has been well prepared for laying the sod, the sod is laid in rows with each row being started from a different piece of sod, and the area is watered well after the sod installation. After the procurement of new grass, a few recommendations would be very useful in maintaining a healthy lawn at all times and these are as follows. So, get to work on constructing the best landscape for your property!
So, let’s cultivate a beautiful future for your landscape together! Contact Down to Earth Landscape and Irrigation today and discuss how we can turn your sodding project into a success!