Laying sod may seem like a daunting task, but when broken down step by step, this process may be more simple than you would think.
Sod provides many great benefits that seed cannot. For starters, upon installation sod is ready right away. This can save you up to 2-3 months as the process for new grass seed can be tedious and time consuming. Sod is grown by professional turfgrass farmers and provides a strong, healthy foundation for the grass to thrive. Sod is also a great alternative for sloped or erosion-prone areas where grass seed struggles to survive.
Preparation is very important for getting the sod to take root. Measure the yard in square feet to determine how much sod you will need. Next, it’s time to order the sod. For the type of sod, at Double A we recommend our customers select Fescue grass for areas that encounter a great deal of shade and Kentucky Blue grass for sunny areas.
You will need to prep your yard. Getting rid of current weeds and plant life is a crucial step. Once all of the plant life dies, we recommend that you use a soil conditioner to stir up the ground and add black dirt on top. This will ensure a healthy base for the sod. Be sure that your yard is level before you lay the sod.
On installation day, make sure to keep plenty of rolls on hand so it can all be rolled in one day. Keep sod in the shade until it is time to be laid. Start with damp soil, and lay the first row along a straight edge, such as a driveway, patio, or fence. Once rolled, remove any air pockets and water as you go.
If your yard has any curved or odd shaped areas, use a utility knife to cut the edges. If you have sprinkler heads, make sure to cut these out in the sod.
Maintenance is a crucial aspect of sod installation. Make sure the sod is getting enough water to drink. For the first week or so, water once in the morning, and again at night. To check to see if the sod is making good contact with the soil, lift a corner. If it seems too dry or too muddy, adjust your watering schedule as necessary. Continue to hydrate on a tapered schedule and avoid walking on it if possible. Do not cut the sod for at least two weeks after installation. For the first month of cutting, we highly recommend a push mower as the sod will still be fragile.
Sod installation is one of our main specialties and we have completed a multitude of sod jobs here at Double A. We would be happy to help you with all of your landscaping needs. Please call us today at (716) 598-9933 or email us at info@doubleascapes.com.
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