Preparing Soil for New Sod

October 8th, 2017 Posted in Sod
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Many people believe that laying new sod will take less preparation than seeding. While you may have a better chance of getting a lush lawn sooner with sod than seed, preparation is just as important. Sod is a big investment, much more than seed, so you want to ensure your new grass will take hold. While preparation for each type of grass may vary slightly, here are some basics to keep in mind.

Start Early

If you want to order your sod now, you better get started on your preparation. First get a soil sample. You need to know where your soil is chemically at now to get the right top soil and fertilizer. You should begin preparing your soil for sod at least two weeks before the sod will arrive. Talk to your landscape supplier and find out how long it will take to get your sod. Make sure you have the minimum of two weeks before your order will arrive.

First Tilling

At least two weeks before your sod arrival, the area should be treated for weeds before the first tilling. Once that is completed, you can begin tilling your area. You will want a slight slope for drainage, about 1-2%. Once it is tilled, you can add new soil or enhancements based on your soil sample.

Second Tilling

Wait about one week after the first tilling to complete the second tilling. First, add any fertilizers for your soil to match the type of grass you will be planting. Then the area can be tilled again and leveled. You want a very level surface for good adhesion of your new sod.

Before your new sod arrives, the ground should be watered. Talk to your landscape supplier about the exact care for your new sod. With proper preparation and care, you can enjoy a beautiful lawn that can last for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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Save Money by Installing Your Own Sod

June 12th, 2017 Posted in Sod
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Are you considering sod for your lawn? Laying sod can give you the lush lawn you have been trying to achieve, almost overnight. While sod still needs preparation and care, it can be successfully done on your own, saving you money. Here are tips to help you properly install sod and get a beautiful lawn that will flourish.

  • Choose the right sod. Talk to your local landscape supplier about which grass will be right for your soil type, use and maintenance needs. Getting the right grass is the first step to success.
  • Prepare your lawn. You cannot just lay down sod on any site and expect it to grow. You want to remove all rocks, weeds and other debris from the soil. The soil should also be well aerated and water applied before the sod is installed.
  • Make sure you choose a quality sod provider and get timely delivery. You want to get sod that was recently harvested, usually less than 72 hours before your installation. Schedule your delivery for the same day as installation if possible. Remember, your sod is alive and needs water and nutrients to survive. Keep it moist and in the shade until you can lay it down.
  • After your sod is installed, you need to keep it watered to allow the roots to attach and grow. Set a watering schedule of twice a day for two weeks, once in the morning, once at night.

With quality sod, you can save a little money by doing the installation yourself. Find a local supplier with high quality, fresh sod for the best results.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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Summer is the Prime Time to Add Sod Dressing

December 30th, 2016 Posted in Sod
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Is your lawn lacking luster or uneven in areas? One of the ways to fix these issues is to add sod dressing to your lawn. However, not all times of year are ideal for adding sod dressing as the grass needs to be in a fast growing stage for the best results. Summer, usually between May and August, is when grass is at its peak growing levels, making it the best time to apply sod dressing to your yard.

When a lawn has low spots or is lacking the right top soil, it can affect the growth and beauty of your yard. Sod dressing, when applied correctly, can even out any uneven areas and add vital nutrients to your yard. Although this can be done in the spring or fall, summer is usually the best time to add this layer to your grass. To effectively apply sod dressing, follow these steps:

  • Preparing your lawn. You want your grass to be ready to accept the new soil for the best results. For some lawns, this may require thatching or aerating if there is more than ½ inch of thatch. Then mow the lawn as short as possible without damaging the grass, removing all clippings from the yard.
  • Adding sod dressing. Spread a half an inch sod dressing across your lawn except in areas that need filling where it may take a few inches of dressing to fill. Lightly use the backside of a rake to even the sod dressing and push it down into the soil. After the first watering, you may need to even out the dressing again until it is compacted.

Don’t miss out on the best time to add sod dressing to your yard. Call your local landscape supply to order your sod dressing now.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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Choosing the Best Grass for Your New Sod

May 1st, 2015 Posted in Sod
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If you have decided this is the summer that you will finally have that beautiful green lawn you have always wanted, you have probably decided to lay sod. Spring is the perfect time to lay sod so the roots have a chance to take hold before the warmer summer weather. However, just laying sod is not enough to guarantee a beautiful lawn; you also need the right type of grass to suite your property and lifestyle. Here are three popular choices and their pros and cons:

Meyer Zoysia

If you are looking for the deep green lawn reminiscent of the professional golf courses, Meyer Zoysia is a good variety to choose. This grass is often used in professional applications due to its dense, thick turf and slow growing attributes. It does well in sun and partial shade, making it a great all-around grass.

Bermuda

If you have a sunny yard with very little shade, Bermuda grass is an excellent choice. Bermuda performs best in direct sun and provides a dense, green lawn that can handle heavy traffic. This is a great grass for those who have pets or kids that will be playing on the lawn. It does grow in clay soil but does best in sandy soils. This is a higher maintenance grass, but does not need much irrigation.

Fescue

If you live in an area where you can have green grass all year round, Fescue may be the right choice for your home. If you have shady areas, Fescue is tolerant of both sun and shade. Because it is green all year, it will need more maintenance, with watering needed for areas in direct sun.

Talk to your local landscape supplier about these and other grass options for your new sod to choose the best option for your specific home and region.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

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Lay Sod Now For A Beautiful Lawn Next Summer

October 12th, 2014 Posted in Sod
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Adding sod to your yard is the easiest way to obtain the lush, green lawn you have always wanted. The best time to lay sod is when the temperatures are moderate; in most regions, this will be during late spring and early fall. Weather conditions which are too hot or too cold can hamper the root growth of your new sod, making these mild times of year perfect. 

Preparing Your Lawn For New Sod

Once you either order your sod or have it delivered from the landscape supplier, you will want to get your lawn area leveled and cleared of obstructions before you begin installation. Once the area is tilled, remove all rocks, twigs and other debris from the lawn. Then, rake the area to ensure it is level; you may need to add quality top soil to any dips or low areas.

If your soil quality is poor, either too sandy or with too much clay, you may want to add either organic material or a layer of quality soil. Once the ground is ready, use a sod roller to compact down the soil and ensure it is level for laying your new sod. 

Caring For Your New Sod

Once the sod is installed, you will need to promote quick root growth to prepare it for the winter season. Your sod will need plenty of moisture, enough to penetrate approximately four inches down to the roots. Make sure your new grass is watered every day, either with rain or manually. It will take an estimated 2-3 weeks for the new sod roots to take hold, so keep people and pets off the sod until it has a chance to grow its root base. 

By laying your sod in the early fall, it will have plenty of time to mature before the winter weather hits. Over the next several months, your new grass can grow a strong root base which will ensure it will become the lush, green lawn that you envision for next summer.

Posted on behalf of Find Local Landscape Supply

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