Right now is the best time of year to get an instant lawn through sod. The cooler temperatures of late summer and early fall provide the right conditions for sod to merge with the surface underneath and continue to grow. Even better, all sod rolls are just $4 each throughout the month of September at Pine Landscape Center.
Benefits of a sodded lawn
Installing sod prevents soil erosion and provides an even, dense lawn without bare patches. Though sod requires water in the beginning, it needs less water than growing new grass through the fall practice of overseeding. Sod is also ready to handle traffic sooner than growing a lawn through seed germination.
Prep the surface
Sod is a living plant that requires ground contact, so for best installation results make sure to eliminate any drainage problems. Additionally, ensure you have enough non-compacted soil for the sod to be able to take root (2-4″). Prepare the ground surface by removing rocks, roots, weeds, and large clods from the area.
Time to (un)roll
Sod is alive and needs to be exposed to nutrients, water, and sunlight as quickly as possible. That means the surface should be completely prepared before the sod rolls arrive to get them right to the ground.
The best time for laying sod is in the morning, 24 to 72 hours after the sod is harvested. Line up the edge of the roll flush against the sidewalk or driveway, and cut the rolls at the other end so they stagger in a brick pattern. Join the edges of the sod together at the seams, while ensuring the roots of the sod stay in contact with the soil.
Fill the entire area in this way, using a knife to cut the sod to fit into the space. Remove air pockets and provide root-to-soil contact by gently tamping the sod into place using your hands.
Sod care
It’s essential to begin watering as soon as the sod is laid. The grass should receive enough water to keep the roots and soil moist at all times. Water in the morning if possible to take advantage of the grass’ normal growing cycle. Make sure to water daily, or more often, in order to keep turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about two weeks). Then less frequent, deeper watering should begin. Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering.
Mowing can take place only after the sod is rooted down. Set the mower height high so that no more than one-third of the grass blade is cut to reduce stress on the sod. The sod should be ready for light traffic after its first mowing.
Applying a starter fertilizer about a month after the sod is laid will help it keep taking root. At this point, give the sod longer, more infrequent irrigation to help its roots stretch deeper into the soil.
After that, the maintenance can revert to normal lawn care and you’ll be ready to enjoy your new lawn!
We can help
Give us a call with your questions, or to schedule a sod pick-up or delivery, and start digging into your new lawn today!