Sod is a low-maintenance, easy way to turn a bare patch into a gorgeous, lush lawn. But it can be a pain to lay, and if you’re doing it yourself, there are lots of things to consider before you even begin.
Start by removing pre-existing grass to give the new sod a good start. This takes a lot of time and effort, so you may want to hire a professional for this step.
Remove any weeds or dead grass, and make sure there are no roots that will block the sunlight needed for new sod to grow. This can be done by using a weed killer or manually digging up large chunks of dead grass, which will help the soil aerate and fertilize.
Next, rake the soil level and remove any clumps of dirt, or loose soil particles, that might interfere with Sodding installation. Raking also helps to loosen the soil and creates a better environment for sod roots to sink into.
Once the soil is level and ready for sod, you can start laying it down. Be careful not to walk on the sod, as this can shift it and make it uneven.
The best way to lay sod is in narrow strips, starting with the longest straight edge, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Be sure to stagger short ends so that the sod doesn’t look lopsided and channel water through seams.
After laying the first strip, use a sod roller to improve sod-to-soil contact and to remove air pockets. Rolling the sod also helps it to absorb water better and prevents it from drying out quickly.
To keep the sod from wilting, water it immediately upon installation and regularly for the first two weeks to ensure that the soil beneath it remains moist. It’s important to not overwater, as this can lead to rotting of the roots and cause diseases.
Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus, such as a 2:1:1 ratio or a 1:1:1 ratio. This will help the sod to root deeply and provide it with the nutrients it needs to thrive.
It’s also a great idea to add a top-dressing of organic mulch, such as compost, to the soil under your sod, as this will promote healthy grass growth and help to control weeds.
Once the sod has been installed, you’ll need to water it regularly and fertilize it to ensure it grows well. This is especially important during the initial stages of sod development when the roots are growing and establishing themselves in the new soil.
Be sure to choose a fertilizer that provides the nutrients your soil needs, based on the results of your soil test. You can apply a fertilizer to the top of your newly-installed sod, or you can sprinkle the fertilizer on the ground below the sod.
If you choose to fertilize the sod, you should apply the fertilizer a couple of inches below the surface of the soil. This will encourage the roots of your sod to grow deep into the soil and prevent the soil from becoming too compacted.