FindLocal-Landscape Supply Tips

If your lawn is sparse or severely damaged, or you’re starting a new lawn altogether, you’re probably looking for the best method of growing the lush, beautiful grass that will set off your landscape design and create a foundation for years of outdoor family fun. While there are distinct advantages and disadvantages of both sowing and sod installation, there are a few reasons why you may want to consider laying sod above sowing grass seeds to start your new lawn. 

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the difference between installing sod and sowing grass seeds. Sod is a mature lawn with soil that comes in patches or rolls complete with root systems that will establish themselves on your property with proper application  of water and pressure. Sod will not require regular fertilization, and can generally be walked on about two weeks after installation without damaging your lawn. Seeding requires a bit less work during the planting phase, but far more maintenance. 

Seeded plots can’t be walked over by people or animals for at least six weeks, is more susceptible to weed growth and can often require up to two years before they’re fully mature with uniform grass coverage. Sod creates a flawless lawn with uniform coverage immediately, creating almost instant gratification and is far less likely to require spot seeding to fill empty areas. 

Discuss the advantages of sod with your professional landscaping contractor today to determine what type of sod is best for your area, and to discuss the advantages of sod over sowing grass seed. Because sod is more physically demanding to install, you will almost certainly require the services of landscaping professionals to ensure that the job is done correctly.

With spring right around the corner, you may be thinking that it’s time to do something about that dirt yard.  Laying sod the correct way is essential if you want a healthy lawn.  Most homeowners will want to hire a professional landscaper to lay the sod, but it’s a job many homeowners can handle themselves if they have the time and inclination.

Tip 1: Measure Before You Order

You don’t want to end up with too much or too little sod to do the job.  Draw a sketch of your lawn and measure the areas you want to fill.  Multiply the length by width of each space and divide by 9 in order to convert the number to square yards.  That is the amount of sod you need to order.

Tip 2: Prepare Your Soil

While you’re waiting for your sod to be delivered, make sure the soil is level by grading or raking it, sloping away from the foundations of the house.  Fill in any low spots with top soil.

Tip 3: Installation

Place the sod as soon as it’s delivered by laying it in a straight line, such as along a sidewalk.  Push the edges together as tightly as possible – sod shrinks as it dries.  Form the next row by staggering the joints, like bricks.  When it has all been installed, you can use a roller to make sure the sod has good contact with the soil and to reduce the appearance of the seams.

Tip 4: Water!

You’ll want to water within thirty minutes of delivery, to keep the sod from shriveling and dying.  It should be watered daily for two weeks, to give it time to root itself.  After that, weather conditions in your area will indicate how much you should water.

Tip 5: Mowing

Your sod has rooted when it becomes obvious that it needs mowing.  Be careful not to cut it too short the first time, or it could dry out.  Also be careful when going over seams.  Eventually, you’ll be able to trim it to an ideal height of 1.5 inches.