Have you seen the massive I-35E sound wall in DeSoto properly? That is a huge heat reflector. That large concrete structure does more than block out freeway noise. It also reflects a lot of heat around. Think of it like a massive frying pan radiating heat! What if you try to throw some sod around the area in July? Have you ever tried planting some lettuce in an oven? It will be akin to that. Whether the grass is Bermuda, Zoysia, or something else doesn’t matter. That wall will reflect heat constantly.
The heat bouncing off that surface has a direct effect on the grass planted around. Additionally, it affects the moisture level. You will find the soil dying out faster than other places. People have said they feel the reflected heat even from a few feet away- much like a reverse campfire.
Sod is not like a magic carpet
Not many people are aware of the right ways to install sod. It cannot be prepared like instant noodles, for example! You have to be especially careful when you want to plant sod next to that concrete structure. When you install sod, it needs a lot of nurturing and a supply of nutrients and water. Patience will be required for success.
What happens when you try to plant some sod along that wall? Pre-soaking the soil is a must in that case, and do not forget to test the pH balance either. Do not think you can roll the sod much like you roll a carpet in your living room! Unless you take proper care, that sod will become like toasted seaweed. When there is heat reflection in the scene, your preparation must be top-notch.
Watering the sod requires a proper strategy
Did you think using sprinklers alone will save your grass from that heat reflector? You are in for a big reality check! The timing is important here. For example, if you water the sod in the middle of the day, the sod is already hot and the air is scorching, too. The sod will get boiled.
So, what is the best time to water the sod? You can water both before sunrise and again after sunset. When the sod is new, light watering works better. Once the roots grow, deep watering is recommended. You need to be careful and adopt a wait-and-watch approach to succeed.
Some people say they have benefitted by using an automated water sprinkling system. You can certainly try that, but monitoring will still be necessary. Misting may cool down the air near the grass to an extent.
Choosing the right type of grass is important
So, you must pick the right type of grass to survive the heat reflected by the I-35E sound wall in DeSoto. Bermuda’s tough, and it is fast-growing, too. However, you may need something more rugged to survive the heat. Zoysia can be a good candidate for that situation. It does not give up easily and holds moisture quite well. St. Augustine may not be so good since it may develop fungus. Finding the perfect one may be tough here.
Think of the specific region where you will be installing the sod. The south-facing wall gets sunlight all day. The north-facing part is quite different. The soil can be such a mixed bag there! Some of it is alkaline, and you should try the pH test before anything else.
Mulching the edge is essential
Are you thinking how can you succeed in setting up grass along the I-35E sound wall? Mulching can help, and doing it along the wall edge is recommended. It will serve the purpose of a buffer. The moisture will stay locked in longer, and some of the heat will get bounced off, too. The sod will also look better.
What can you use as mulch? Using cedar chips and pine bark can be useful, and you can also use gravel. The main thing is you cannot keep bare soil next to that wall. That will attract more heat. So, use mulch to thwart heat absorption effectively and save your sod from drying out.
Are there any other alternatives? People living in that area also use straw bales as a heat shield, especially in summer. As fall sets in, they replace it. It may look a little unusual, but the results are worth the effort.
Shade can help your grass thrive
The grass beneath the tree usually looks healthy or enticing. However, when it comes to planting a tree next to the I-35E wall, it’s different. You have to think of the factors like utility lines and local norms, etc. So, you can go for an alternative for a temporary shade. Try some canvas tarps, and there are examples of people using PVC pipe setup with mesh cloth. The latter looks odd, but your new sod will get some breathing room.
You can also think of offering partial shade during peak hours. Do not cover the whole lawn- all you need to do is block that heat spike.
Don’t ignore the wind factor
Did you think it is all about during the scorching heat in that region? No, your sod will also have to cope with wind, too. That wall also affects natural air circulation. That has a direct effect on your grass. Stagnant air and that heat make an unhealthy combination for the turf. The result is slower root development and stunted growth.
It would be good if you space out sod rolls a little more near the wall. That will let air sneak in. Another option is using aeration tools early. Both of the strategies may work, but there is a chance factor involved.
Above All, You’ll Need Plenty Of Patience To Succeed
Well, you may still come across a few brown patches after putting in so much effort! That is somewhat inevitable when you install sod near such heat-reflective walls. The first month will be tough, and you may sometimes wonder if your efforts are paying off or not. However, with consistent and hard work, you will see the results. In worse cases, you will have to overseed in fall.
When the turf eventually grows, it feels like winning a trophy! But remember- it is not going to be a smooth journey.
