If you’re looking to tackle a yard maintenance project that will add value and beauty to your home, sod installation could be right for you. Grass is the first thing people see when they look at your property, so sod is a worthwhile investment to keep your landscaping looking its best. Cool weather and occasional rain are the best conditions to help your sod take root quickly, making spring the perfect time to lay sod.
DO understand why you need sod in the first place
Turf can decline for a number of reasons, from excessive shade to irrigation issues to insect damage. Understanding this can potentially save you the pain of having to replace your lawn twice. At RLC Landscaping, we can identify any cultural issues that need to be addressed prior to installing your new lawn.
DO take accurate measurements
Using sod to cover your lawn can be an expensive undertaking, which makes taking careful measurements in the beginning of the process an important step to keep the costs down as much as possible. A quality landscaping partner will be able to provide you with advice on the best kind of sod for your lawn and tips for measuring your space accurately.
DO prepare the soil
You’ll want to install the sod as soon as it arrives, so preparing the soil before it arrives is an important step. Start by clearing the area of any debris like rocks, roots, and branches. Then perform a soil test to make sure that the pH is slightly acidic, between 6 and 7.5. If necessary, you can add a nutrient rich base. Using a rake or rototiller, soil should be brought to at least an inch below sprinklers and driveways and then made level.
All of these steps can be done on your own, but a lawn care service professional would also be able to do the prep work for you. To request a quote from a yard maintenance partner you can trust, give RLC Landscaping a call.
DO install properly
Now that your space is properly prepared, it’s time to install the sod. Start laying the sod along a straight edge, like a sidewalk or driveway, making sure that the edges are pushed together as tightly as possible without overlapping. After the first row is laid, you’ll want to continue by staggering the rows, just as if you were laying brick. If you encounter trees or corners, cut around the obstacle with a sharp knife. To complete your installation, water your entire lawn to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.
DON’T allow the sod dry out
Immediately after installation it’s time to start thinking about proper watering and irrigation. Sod should be watered three times a day for 15 minutes for 10 days. This is an important step because it allows the roots to become established. If you notice that water is pooling, reduce watering right away.
DON’T mow immediately
After 10 days of a consistent water schedule, your lawn is safe to mow. If you try to mow before the 10 days are up, the roots won’t be properly developed. Proper lawn mowing is an important part of yard maintenance, so you’ll want to make sure that you don’t remove more than one-third of a blade of grass.
Need help keeping your new sod at the proper height? RLC landscaping can help provide quality maintenance and lawn mowing services.
DON’T walk on the grass
To not let your money go to waste, you’ll want to stay off the area for three weeks to help it become well established. This means being extra careful that your kids and pets stay away from the new sod too.
Are you ready to install new sod this spring, give RLC Landscaping a call today at 407-366-5629 or click here to request a quote.
