Laying sod on the hard dirt can ensure a beautiful green lawn. Installation of the sod requires one to be particular about the landscaping project that can be completed in a customized manner. Growing the grass from the roots of the grass seeds can be more challenging than sodding a lawn. With more and more people looking for quick and easy ways for sod installation, it becomes vital to discover the best techniques of sod installation and maintain it through successful ways.
With little planning and research, one can find it easy to find out ways of laying out sod.
Space Measurement and Buying the Sod
The sod can take the root, but this requires careful planning just a few weeks ahead. Here are the things to consider:
- Rain might delay the process; hence, weather considerations should be taken into account, and it should be attempted when there is drought or sustainable water restriction.
- New sod will then require a lot of water as soon as it starts holding the roots.
- Make sure that you have purchased sufficient sod and the landscaping work requires proper measurement. Walking around the area can help you analyze the area you need to cover.
- Human steps are usually 3 feet, which may be less for short people. Walk the length and width and measure as per your steps.
- The use of a measuring wheel is also recommended for those who are looking for tools that can calculate the measurement of even longer distances.
- After the measurement, look for the type of sod you need to order – slabs or strips. Fresh sods must be installed the same day. It is better to order a little more of the sod than one has planned.
Soil Preparation
- New sod must get a separate space, which can be done by straying the plant lives and killing the weeds.
- Use a soil kit a month ahead so you know there is sufficient time to get the desired results. Planning can be done for nutrients, too.
- Tree stumps must be dug up, and removal of debris such as stones must be initiated.
- Read out the instructions on the packaging and apply herbicides.
- Lay the compost in your lawn, and it will gradually suppress soil growth after it has been left to sit for weeks.
- Tilling and raking the ground are also important. This will ensure that the dirt has loosened up so that any buried rocks can be uncovered. The process can be speeded up with the help of a rototiller.
- Pepped dirt must be deep, as long as 6 inches within, and it will ensure that your sod can finally grow within the grass that has been rooted deeply.
- It is essential to keep the lawn level and graded well. If you need clarification on the level, try watering it.
- The watering system and drainage should be installed after the grading work.
- Lawn fertilizers can be added according to the pH of the soil.
Sod Laying in Neat Rows
- New sod should be watered wells so that it is laid down well.
- Dampening the soil is essential.
- The first sod row must be unrolled carefully. The line for the work must be completed by following the patio, fence, and driveway.
- Raking of the soil is essential so that any kind of bumps lying under the surface can be cleared.
- Laying the first row should be followed by smoothening the area, and one must avoid stepping on it.
- After half an hour of the new sod installation, it must get proper watering.
- If required, additional sod must be added.
- One row of the sod should be finished unrolling, and with the help of a utility knife, extra pieces can be cut out too.
- Patting of the new layer must be done to clear out any air pockets within.
Filling in the Gaps
- Look for gaps in curved, oddly shaped areas and hard-to-reach spaces.
- The excess sod should be trimmed, and the smaller seams must be filled with sufficient topsoil; add more if required.
Pressing Down on the Sod
- Pressing the sod evenly on the surface is crucial, with which the moisture within the sod can be locked so that roots can be put down.
- Lawn rollers can help remove any air pockets that may have been left over.
- Maintenance of the sod through watering
- New sod needs immediate watering, and the corners can be lifted up to check if they are settling down.
- It should be watered well daily, preferably in the morning, and one must never walk on it to prevent possible damage; walking on it can make it brunched and uneven.
- The irrigation schedule can be reduced after the first week of watering. When the sod starts catching up with the roots, watering twice a week is crucial.
- Trim the grass when it is 3 inches in height with the help of a push mower.
- The lawn must also be fertilized after mowing so that the soil can get fresh nutrients.
Sod installation can produce instant results and help upgrade any lawn with the utmost effect. If you do not wish to DIY, ask for professional help and surround yourself with a beautiful lawn.
