Sodding Requires Special Care

Sodding provides an instant lawn, but it requires special care to help it thrive. The ground must be thoroughly weeded and large rocks removed before sod is laid.

Sod can be installed any time of year, but spring and fall are the best times to do it. Cooler temperatures allow the sod to root quickly and help reduce water loss from evaporation.

Soil Preparation

Sod, also known as turf, is a pre-grown grass that homeowners can lay over their lawns to create instant lush greenery. Sodding is much quicker than growing grass from seed and can add curb appeal to a home in very little time. The success of sod, however, depends on the quality of the soil it is laid upon. Soil preparation is essential and should begin well before sod delivery arrives on-site.

The first step in soil preparation for sod is to kill the existing grass and weeds. This can be done by spraying the site with a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate. A minimum of 10 days should pass before inspecting the area and spraying again if necessary. Once the existing vegetation is dead, use a sod cutter (available for rent at many rental companies) to cleanly cut and remove any existing sod and debris from the site. Next, till the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, making sure it is loose and free of dirt clods. Tilling the soil will reduce soil compaction and allow the sod roots to grow into a deeper layer of the soil, increasing the chances of successful sodding.

Once the soil is tilled, work in any recommended starter fertilizer and amendments into the top several inches of the garden soil. This should be done a day or two before sod is delivered, as it is important for the soil to be moist but not saturated or muddy when the sod is installed.

Soil is made up of mineral particles that were formed when rocks, dead organic matter, and live creatures broke down. The ideal soil is called loam, which contains a mix of sand, silt and clay, and is characterized by its ability to retain moisture. Loam also drains well, and feels rich and loose when squeezed in your fist.

Lastly, the soil should be tested for its pH level, which will help determine what kind of fertilizers are needed and what additives may be beneficial. The soil should be adjusted to a pH of 6.5 to 7. This can be accomplished with an at-home soil test kit or by sending a sample away for professional testing. Soil that is too acidic will be difficult for sod to survive, while soil that is too alkaline will be inhospitable.

Laying

A sodded lawn provides instant curb appeal, as opposed to the weeks of growth required for a seeded lawn. Sodding is also considered more practical for homeowners who want a green lawn as soon as possible, without having to wait for grass seeds to sprout and grow. Sod is essentially pre-grown grass that is sold in rolls at garden centers. It is easier to lay than grass seed, but there are still some important steps that need to be taken to make sure the sod looks its best.

To start, you will need to prepare the soil before laying the sod. The area must be free of stones, weeds and other debris that could interfere with the laying process. It is also recommended to spread some fertilizer on the compressed soil, and to water it. This will help to make the soil looser and more aerated, which in turn will promote healthy root development for the sod.

When the sod is ready to be laid, it is important to lay it right away in order to prevent the roots from dying. This means you must start the laying process as soon as the sod is cut, and you only have 24 to 36 hours in hot weather to do this. If you do not, weeds will begin to take root in the exposed soil, and you will need to spend a lot of time and money fighting weeds once the sod is established.

Once the sod is laid, it is important to press down on it with a lawn roller in order to make sure the soil underneath is secured in place. This step is particularly important if you are working with a hilly or uneven landscape. If you have a slope, it is also recommended to anchor the sod by digging into the soil and using sand or bark humus to hold it in place.

After the sod is in place, it is important to water it immediately. This will help it to become established and ensure that the sod is not dry or brown before it can take root in the ground. The amount of watering will depend on the weather conditions and how much sun or shade your yard gets, but it is generally recommended to water the sod every day for the first week or two after laying it.

Watering

Watering refers to the act of pouring water on something, or diluting a liquid with water. It is necessary to have a good watering process when planting new sod, and it also works well for reseeding existing lawns. This process requires careful attention to the soil and climate conditions, so it should not be rushed. The sod should be watered frequently, especially for the first week or so after it has been laid. This will help the sod become established and grow into a healthy lawn.

The benefits of sodding are that it provides a quick, green lawn and eliminates the time needed for seed to sprout. This is a great option for lawns that will be used by people and pets, or for events like barbecues. However, if you want a more diverse grass selection, and are willing to wait for it to grow, planting grass seed is the way to go.

The watering process for sod is similar to that of seeding, and should be done daily until it becomes established. It is best to water in the morning, and avoid walking on the sod in the afternoon or evening because it can damage it. In the beginning, it is important to water it thoroughly, but after that, the frequency and duration of the watering can be reduced. It is still important to keep the soil moist, and a good way to check for this is by pulling on the sod. If it lifts easily, then it needs to be watered more frequently. In addition to regular watering, it is also a good idea to add a balanced turf fertilizer, such as Milorganite, to your sod or reseeded lawn. This will accelerate the growth of the turf, and provide it with a long-lasting deep green color.

Mowing

Sod needs to be properly cared for to ensure it survives and thrives. While you may need to walk on the new grass for mowing purposes, it’s important to stay off it for as long as possible in order to allow the sod to take root. Walking on freshly laid sod can cause damage that inhibits the root growth, and if you are using a mower with sharp blades it can leave permanent marks in the lawn.

If you are going to need to walk on the sod for mowing, we recommend waiting 7-10 days after laying to mow it. This will give the sod time to become firmly established, and it will also have had enough time to grow roots that are strong enough to withstand the pressure of your feet. When you do mow, be sure to lower the mowing height gradually over time.

It is recommended that you avoid mowing if it has been raining recently. Wet sod tends to bend or lean and can make the mowing process more difficult and dangerous. Also, do not try to trim the lawn if it has been raining for a few days because wet grass can cause the trimmer to catch fire or be clogged with clumps of wet grass.

You will need to water your new sod regularly, at least once a day for the first two weeks after it is installed. Once the sod has established itself, you can reduce the frequency of watering. Follow the Southern Nevada Water Authority Lawn Care Watering Guide to establish an appropriate schedule for your property.

We also recommend that you keep dogs off of the new lawn for the first few weeks until the sod has rooted in well. Dog urine contains salts and ammonia that can burn or kill the grass. These burns can be seen as discolored or wilted areas in the grass that look like dead spots. It is recommended that you rinse off the area with water after your pets have gone out to prevent this.