It takes a lot to grow a lawn from scratch. Waiting for the grass grow can take up to several weeks. You must monitor the grass carefully once it sprouts to ensure it grows evenly.
Sod is an alternative to traditional lawns. This guide will help you decide if sod is right for you. This guide will walk you through the process of installing sod and how to maintain it after it is installed.
Sod may be a quick fix for your lawn problems, but there are other options. If your lawn looks patchy or lackluster, you might consider a professional lawn care service company.
What is sod?
Sod is grass that has a thin layer of soil attached to it. It’s usually held together by a large root system, or biodegradable material. Sod can be harvested from grass with roots already developed and is commonly found in areas that require landscaping to be done quickly. It is often found on golf courses, sports stadiums and schools as well as in businesses.
These places don’t want waste time planting grass or waiting for it grow. They can install a lawn in a matter of minutes with roots already established. Many homeowners choose sod because of similar reasons. A beautiful green lawn can increase the curb appeal of a house and give a family an area to enjoy.
Sod has many benefits
Sod not only looks great, but it also offers many other benefits. Sod is quick and easy to grow a lawn. Seeding a lawn may take several months to grow to maturity.
Any water or wind that comes into contact with the lawn during this period can cause significant amounts of erosion, especially on hills.
Sod also eliminates the mud and dust associated with seeding a lawn. The sod does not need to be exposed dirt once it is installed, as the roots and stems of the leaves have been established. Your lawn will not become a muddy, swampy mess if it rains or you water it.
Why choose sod over grass seeds?
There are pros and cons to both sod installation and using grass seed to grow a lawn. Because it isn’t as labor-intensive, sod is generally considered a better alternative to seeding a yard. However, if you use a method such as hydroseeding, or applying spray-on grass seed, it may cut the amount of effort needed to seed your lawn.
We’ve listed some of the major advantages and disadvantages of sod and seeds below.
| Type of grass | Advantages | Advantages |
| Sod | Instant lawn!Installation can handle traffic quicklyReduce erosion and mudIf water is available, can be installed at any time during the growing seasonWeeds are less likely to be found in the environment. | Installation and purchase are expensiveThere are only a few types of grassSun-tolerant plants are more likely to thrive in shade than those that grow in the sun.Rooting requires large amounts of water |
| Seed | There are many varieties to choose from, some even mixed.You can choose a seed that is shade-tolerantSod is less expensive than sodRoots are established in soil, where they will stay | It is important to be punctual in order to avoid weeds or patchy areasIt takes longer to cultivate a dense, full lawnThis may mean that you will need to oversee or reseed the area in order to fill it.Young grass can be a boon for weeds |
Where can I find sod in my area?
You can find high-quality sod in your area by searching online for local farms. Many sod businesses offer delivery services to customers who purchase sod from them. Different grass varieties may be available in different regions. Ask your supplier about what is available.
Do you need sod installed near me?
Once your new lawn is delivered by your supplier, it’s important to start installing it immediately. Many sod farms offer installation services as part their sod service. You can do it yourself but you can hire a professional lawn care or landscaping company to do the job. You can save time and ensure that your lawn is properly installed by hiring a professional.
How to install sod
You can save a lot of money by installing your sod lawn yourself. Although it may seem easy in theory, installing sod can be laborious. You will need to plan before ordering your sod. This guide will show you how to prepare soil for sod.
Before you start installing sod
Once you have decided to install sod for your lawn, the next step is to prepare your soil for sod. It’s important to perform a soil test before you start making soil changes. It is simple to perform a soil test. You simply need to take a small sample of soil and send it in to a laboratory for testing.
This simple test can provide important information about the soil of your lawn, such as pH levels and vital nutrients. Your results allow you to mix fertilizers or other additives into your topsoil to meet the needs of your new sod lawn. Professional lawn care companies like TruGreen often provide soil tests as part of their initial lawn analysis.
Because sod is a living plant, it should be installed as soon as possible after being harvested. Preparing your soil for installation should be done several days before the sod arrives. These steps will prepare your soil for sod-installation.
- Till the soilUse a spade or rototiller to till the soil approximately 6 inches deep.
- Remove debrisPick up all weeds, large stones, and sticks that are still present in the newly tilled soil.
- Adjust the soilUse a rake to gently level the soil until it is one layer. You can also use a lawn roller to level it further and pack it tightly.
- Fertilize and eliminate weedsYou can use a Pre-emergent weed killing And fertilizers Before laying sod, it is important to treat the soil.
How to lay sod
Your sod supplier will deliver your lawn once your soil has been tested and prepared for sod. Usually, this is done in rolls. Lawn services can install sod all year, provided the ground is not too wet or frozen. Sod can be used in bare areas of yards.
To make it easier for large yards to install, you can lay pallets or piles on the lawn. You will need a tiller, lawn roller, and a rake to install your new lawn.
Now you are ready to install your lawn. For a simple step-by-step installation, we have provided instructions.
- To aid in rooting, loosen the soil by using a rake about 1/2 inch.
- Soak the soil in water and place your first piece of furniture in a corner or along an edging.
- As you lay bricks, arrange your sod pieces in a way that the seams are not parallel to each other.
- To maintain contact with the soil, make sure you lay the sod on hills and curves.
- You can use a lawn roller for packing down the sod. This will remove air pockets and establish contact between soil and roots.
What do you do after sod installation?
After you have laid the sod and rolled it to make root contact, you are ready to begin the aftercare.
- Watering: After rolling the sod down, water it. After the soil has been rolled down, you want to moisten it. After the roots have established themselves, you can reduce your watering frequency to a regular schedule.
- Mowing: It will take approximately two weeks for the soil to grow strong roots. You can then begin regular mowing after this time.
- Traffic: To allow roots to grow, keep pets and children away from newly laid lawns for at least three weeks. To avoid soil being ripped out, it is important to reduce traffic.
