Let’s Lay Down the Sod

Is sod the answer to that age-old question everyone has about their lawn: Why isn’t my lawn green and beautiful, an emerald carpet of toe-tingling, barefoot jingling delight?

The answer is “yes!” Let’s see why.

Sod, for instant lawn gratification, has many positive points about it. 

1. It gives you instant lawn. Green lawn. Toe-tickling lawn.
2. Sod means there is no waiting for seeds to sprout, no uneven sprouting, and no brown spots. 
3. Sod won’t need as much water. 
4. It doesn’t need as much time to care for it. 
5. Sod can help stop erosion, especially on slopes that are wearing away. 
6. Grass helps keep dust under control.
7. Sod adds instant beauty to your property. It can help increase your property value and curb appeal.

Installation

Sod needs to be installed on a specific schedule. If not done correctly, it won’t take root. It won’t be a green, healthy lawn for long. While you might think, “I’m handy, how hard can it be?” it takes some talent and perfect timing. Your landscaping partners at Year Round Services will be there for every step of the process and help keep your sod healthy. They will be instrumental in making sure it takes root and grows according to a regular schedule. Don’t be shy about asking them questions about your new lawn and how it will grow. The more you know, the more they can accomplish.

1. The soil will need to be tested. The results are discussed with your landscaper, who will have several different sods in mind for your particular situation.
2. Your landscaper will determine the suitable grass for your soil and location. 
3. The landscape company will make careful measurements, so you won’t have leftover sod or too little to complete the installation.
4. Your old grass will have to be killed and removed. Your landscaper will choose the right herbicides and apply them to your old lawn about two weeks before your date for sod installation. It might take two applications to destroy the old grass.
5. A sod cutter or rototiller is used to remove the old grass and any debris that may be on your lawn areas.
6. Your landscaper will check for compacted soil and aerate the ground before installing, if necessary. 
7. The organic matter might be added to your soil at this time if your landscaper thinks it would make a better medium for your sod. Watering and smoothing the surface will also make the area much more receptive to installing the sod.

The sod will most likely be delivered and placed in your landscaper’s chosen area. The landscaping company will probably bring more people than you usually see to help install the sod. On scheduled maintenance days, you might see three people, one for mowing, trimming, and edging, and one blowing the waste away. The sod will have to be installed quickly to prevent it from drying out before there’s a chance to water it. In addition, the sod might be soaked as soon as it’s placed to help keep it from drying out. Fertilizer and other nutrients might be added at this time, depending on your soil analysis results.

Your landscapers will probably come to examine your newly sodded lawn several times over the next few days. First, they will determine what extra water or nutrients are needed to help it take root and grow strong. Next, you might see them measuring how deep the water is reaching in the soil to get an idea of what more, or less, is needed.

The sod should probably start taking root within the first two weeks of installation. Once it takes root, it will be time to mow for the first time. Your landscapers will probably set the mower blades to the highest level to avoid having the blades come anywhere close to the new delicate roots growing.

Some don’ts.

1. Don’t lay sod over existing grass. This could keep the new sod from taking root.
2. Don’t let dogs urinate on your new sod. This can cause damage to the grass AND the roots.
3. Don’t start walking across or playing on your new lawn until after the first mowing – after the roots take hold.
4. Don’t water you spaces during the heat of the day. This is true for any lawn and garden, not just sod.

Your landscape partners at Year Round will tell you about any other important rules to follow. Congratulations on your beautiful lawn!