A lush lawn is something I’ve longed for since childhood. After installing a Stone Walkway, and new Landscaping Beds we decided to take it a step further by installing Bluegrass Sod.
Today, we have7 Tips for Homeowners When Installing SodIt’s easy than you think, and the results can be stunning!
Sod or seed? We have used both seed and sod when installing a new lawn over the years.
Which is the best?
Bluegrass Sod is our favorite. Bluegrass Sod has given us far better results.
It can be daunting if you don’t have the right experience, but there are resources that will help.
Prepare the Soil Before You Go
Hand rakes are used to grade the final lawn. Grade the soil so that rainwater will run away from any structures. Also, ensure that there is no water standing in low places.
Grab sticks and rocks larger than 2 inches. Press the smaller rocks into soil. Spread the dirt clods evenly if you have lots of them. They will melt when you add water.
So water can drain from the lawn, make sure the soil is 1 1/2 inches lower than the driveways and sidewalks.
Sod should be 1/2 inch lower than neighboring grass to ensure that the soil is the same height. Sprinkler heads should be about 1/2 inch tall.
Apply 8 lbs of 12-12-12 fertilizer to 1000 feet and lightly rake it in.
You should choose the most convenient place to begin unrolling the sod. This will reduce the amount of sod you may have to carry.
If you are sodding the entire lawn, for example, work your way up to the front. Start in the front, and then work your way back to the rear until you run out.
To make a straight line, roll the sod.
Place the next roll a few inches from the first roll to ensure it is in the correct direction. Slide the sod between your hands.
Avoid leaving gaps or overlapping. To avoid seams, stagger the ends. Lay the sod on steep hills sideways, rather than going up and down.
When you have laid your sod, water each section as soon as possible. Don’t leave a muddy mess where you need to lay more sod. Each section should be watered for 1/2 inch.
This can usually be done in 30 minutes or more. After watering, you can check the soil to make sure it is still moist. Water more if it isn’t, but don’t overwater as new roots will have trouble growing in soil that has been waterlogged.
Do not roll the lawn roller after installing the sod. This will cause the soil to compact and make it difficult for new root growth. To prevent sod from drying out, it is recommended that the edges of sod not be butt up to any objects have some soil raked up.
