Are you planning a new lawn, and your existing grass is damaged? Now it’s time to make it fresh. Currently, you have two options: reseeding or laying sod. Planting grass is a cost-effective option, but it requires a considerable amount of time and effort to establish a lush lawn.
On the other hand, installing sod provides immediate results, and you don’t have to wait six weeks for the seed to germinate. If you are ready to install sod, it’s essential to understand the process for optimal results. That’s why we offer a step-by-step process for sod installation.
Preparing Your Lawn with Sod Installation
The first and foremost step of sod installation is lawn preparation. This involves clearing the area of any debris, weeds, and old grass. A clean area is essential for sod to establish a strong root system. You should remove any big stones, debris, and sticks that come in the way of the sod laying procedure.
Moreover, remove weeds or grass that is already on the floor. You can use chemical herbicide or remove them by hand, but make sure that if you use herbicide, you wait a week or two before moving to the next step, after removing debris and leveling the surface.
Step-by-Step Process of Sod Installation
After preparing the ground, it’s now time to install the sod. Here is our step-by-step, easy guide for installing sod:
1. Select the Right Type of Grass
Different varieties of grass thrive in various climates. When installation begins, evaluate your outdoor space, taking into account your local climate, sunlight, and shade conditions. After that, choose the type of grass that can thrive on your lawn.
2. Soil Preparation
After choosing the grass type, you will prepare the soil. The quality of the soil plays a significant role in the success of sod installation. The first thing is to test your soil. This test will help you understand its pH levels and identify if it’s alkaline or acidic.
The ideal soil has a pH of 6 to 7, which is considered acidic or neutral. Purchase a soil test kit from most local hardware stores. Based on the results, you should amend the soil with sulfur, lime, or fertilizer.
3. Install Sod
Now it’s time to install the sod. You should install the sod immediately after delivery. Start by watering the lawn to moisten the soil, and then lay the sod along a straight line.
Ensure, along with watering the sod, that you remove bumps and air pockets to ensure every part is adequately covered and the sod is in contact with the soil.
Trim the weeds with a sharp knife and fit the sod around curves, trees, and other irregular objects.
4. Water Immediately
After laying the sod, watering the soil immediately ensures it remains consistently moist without being overly wet. Water your lawn 2 to 3 times daily in the following 10-15 days. However, it adjusts its requirements according to weather conditions.
For successful establishment and healthy growth, follow this watering routine regularly. In this way, the sod adjusts to a new environment, and the roots remain moist.