The Do’s and Don’ts of Laying Down Sod

waterwise garden
Tips to Help You Avoid Overwatering Your Plants
June 30, 2020
Smart Ways to Boost Front Lawn Curb Appeal
July 2, 2020
waterwise garden
Tips to Help You Avoid Overwatering Your Plants
June 30, 2020
Smart Ways to Boost Front Lawn Curb Appeal
July 2, 2020
Show all

The Do’s and Don’ts of Laying Down Sod

When it comes to creating a memorable and eye-catching landscape, every landscaper recognizes the importance of a great looking lawn. A green and thriving lawn is a source of pride for most homeowners, especially if they are handling their lawn care on their own. Unfortunately, grass can be a very delicate plant that requires a lot of effort to maintain. There are plenty of issues that property owners end up dealing with when it comes to their grass, which is why it’s important to get things right during the time you are planting your grass. Many landscapers elect to use sod when they are creating their outdoor oasis.

Sod is grass and a part of the soil that is held together by roots or a piece of thin material. It’s already growing when you pick up sod for installation, which means you won’t have to worry about seeding or other components of creating a new lawn. There’s a reason why sod is used by so many landscapers, it provides them with a beautiful landscape if they install it correctly. There are quite a few mistakes that landscapers should try to avoid when installing sod, which is why we’ve put together the following guide. Keep reading on to learn about the do’s and don’ts of laying down the sod so that you will find success the next time you need to install more turf on your property. Remember that you can always reach out to Cal Blend Soils if you are interested in purchasing the best landscaping supplies on the market at great prices.

Do Get Your Soil Ready for Sod

If you really want to ensure that your sod is installed correctly, you should spend some time getting your soil ready. There are several ways to accomplish this, such as preparing your topsoil by tilling it. The goal is to remove all of the rocks, wood, and roots that might prevent the grass roots in the sod from developing. You should also rake the are that you are planning to lay down sod on so that it is level.

After you have completed those steps, use a lawn roller to press the soil level down level. Finally, irrigate the topsoil before you begin laying down your sod. Keep in mind that using an herbicide or fertilizer is also a good idea. These are very important steps to keep in mind as you are installing your new grass.

Don’t Let the Sod Dry Out

When you buy sod, there’s a good chance that it is ready to be installed right off the bat. However, if you aren’t ready to install it right away, you should focus on keeping it moist. Sod can dry out quickly and it can lead to dead grass before you even begin laying it down on your property. There’s nothing more frustrating than working hard to install your new sod only to realize later that it will need to be replaced.

If you notice that water is pooling on the sod, make sure you reduce the amount of water you are getting it. Also, you might want to ask the company that you purchase the sod from how much water it will need before its root system becomes fully established. Focusing on keeping your sod moisturized should absolutely be a priority.

Do Handle Installation Correctly

It’s important to handle installation the right way to avoid having to potentially replace your sod at a later date or increasing the chance of landscaping problems. The best way to handle installation is to lay the sod along a straight line on the borders of your property. Make sure you are laying down each piece next to another tightly, but avoid letting them overlap.

You should also try to stagger the joints between rows of sod. If you need to, you can use a knife to help the sod fit around trees and other obstacles. After you have installed all of your new sod, focus on watering it three times a day for about 15 minutes so that the root system can grow in healthy and hearty. This is a very important tip for installing your sod the right way.

Don’t Mow Too Soon After Installation

Many landscapers are so excited after their sod has been installed that they want to head outside and give it a mow right away. This is a bad idea, as it can put your sod under extra stress and prevent it from taking root. Be patient and give your new sod at least 10 days to develop its roots before you head outside and mow it.

When you are mowing your newly installed sod for the first time, make sure your mower height is set high so that you aren’t cutting over a third of the grass blades. Cutting your sod too low can cause serious issues that are difficult to deal with if you aren’t careful. Also, avoid using a lawn rake, which will pull up the loose soil on your sod. Instead, try to use a grass catcher on your mower to get rid of all of the clippings as you mow. The bottom line here is that newly installed sod is delicate, so mow it accordingly.

Luscious Lawn Goals

Every landscaper has the goal of creating a luscious lawn that ties their entire vision together. Choosing sod for your property is a nice way to make your life easier and create an amazing property, but keep the tips mentioned above in mind so that you can avoid any beginner mistakes. Remember that you can always reach out to Cal Blend Soils if you are interested in purchasing landscaping products like fertilizer that can improve your lawn and make your life easier. Connect with one of our team members today to learn more. We even offer discounts on bulk purchases and can have our great products delivered to the location of your choice for added convenience.