Whether winter has been unkind to the backyard or the lawn has been dying for some time, a fresh start is sometimes the best choice. Installing sod isn’t an easy task, but if you are up to the challenge, doing it properly means the difference between success and a barren lawn.
CONDUCT A SOIL TEST
Sod needs the right type of soil for it to take root and flourish properly. Turf typically thrives on well-aerated soil that’s slightly acidic. A pH level of about 6 to 7.5 is ideal. Before buying anything, it’s recommended to test the soil and check its balance. Test kits are readily available from extension services and cost $15 on average. Once submitted, results typically take a couple of weeks to return.
CONSIDER THE LAWN
Every lawn is different. Size, location, and environment all affect the growth of new sod. A professional landscaping company should be able to offer expert advice tailored to any lawn. Their preliminary analysis should factor in the following:
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THE AMOUNT OF SUNLIGHT AND SHADE
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THE DIMENSIONS OF THE LAWN
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THE HARDINESS OF THE SOIL
LOOSEN THE SOIL
Existing soil requires thorough preparation before laying the sod, including turning it, ridding it of debris, and loosening the soil. This gives the ground a better microbial population and water retention. Although manual turning is an option, a rototiller provides the best results. It can turn an entire lawn in hours, and one can easily rent it from a landscaping company.
RAKE THE SOIL
After loosening the soil, it needs to be uniformly smoothed out and leveled for the sod to take root. A simple raking is enough and should be done a day or two before installing the sod to give the soil time to settle.
LAYING THE SOD
Now comes the installation. It is best to purchase sod on the day of installation. It has a limited lifespan while out of the soil. When laying it, work from the outside in, placing the biggest rolls of sod out first. For best results, try to stagger the rolls of sods to avoid uniform seams and ensure that rolls don’t overlap.
WHILE IT MAY BE TEMPTING TO USE SMALLER SOD PATCHES ON THE OUTSIDE, THEY HAVE A BETTER CHANCE OF SURVIVAL WHEN PLACED IN THE CENTER OF THE LAWN. IF SOD NEEDS TO BE PLACED AROUND TREES AND FLOWERBEDS, USE A KNIFE TO CUT CURVES OR DARTS IN THE ROLL.
Once the sod is placed, fill in all cracks and gaps with topsoil. Use a roller to press down the sod into the underlying soil and flatten any uneven patches.
SOD CARE
The real challenge comes in caring for the sod after it’s been placed. The lawn needs time to grow and settle, so don’t mow it until the grass reaches roughly four inches in height. Once cut, ensure that all clippings are properly collected. If using fertilizer, make sure that its chemical composition is suited to the pH balance of the lawn. The wrong fertilizer can harm rather than help.
IRRIGATION
It’s also important to properly irrigate the new lawn. Turf irrigation must strike the right balance between keeping the soil moist and not oversaturated to prevent rot. If this sounds too complex, why not try a professional landscaper? Contact a trusted professional for a flawless installation and regular upkeep, and enjoy a beautiful lawn without the hassle.
Prestige Landscape Company offers landscape design, installation, and seasonal or ongoing maintenance for residential and commercial clients in Nashville, TN. We create hardscaping, outdoor kitchens or living spaces, functional and sustainable landscape plantings, sod installation, lighting, and irrigation systems. Our maintenance crew provides ongoing or seasonal service, including weed control, plant trimming or replacement, and more. Contact us for a free estimate at (615) 395-6351.