Using Sod To Get A Lush Lawn
Installing sod is an attractive option for many landscapes, especially if you want a lush, green lawn without all the effort and time it takes to cultivate grass from seed. Although it can be more expensive to lay sod, there are many advantages to it, including the fact that the thicker turf makes it hard for weeds to get a foothold. Here are some things to remember about sod installation.
Do the prep work. The ground must be prepared before you install sod. Rake it well, and make sure it is level and free of rocks. Some experts recommend mixing some fertilizer in with the soil at this point, to give the sod a good start.
Install sod right away
Install the sod immediately. Don’t let your sod sit around; lay it as soon as possible. Sod is perishable and must be installed immediately upon receipt. Heat can build up within a roll of sod and damage it, so you must install it right away.
Water regularly. After unrolling and laying the sod begin to irrigate deeply, at least six inches down into the soil until it’s actually soggy. Watering the sod is always very important, but it’s critical if you lay the sod on a hot day. In the first week after installation, water twice a day for three or four days, then once a day for the next four days. Water deeply once a day for another week, then space it out to once every other day for another two weeks.
Sod needs the right amount of water
Water correctly. Every time you irrigate, especially during the first week, do it for five to ten minutes, enough time to put a half-inch of water into the ground. When you get to the point where you’re watering every other day, use one inch per watering. This encourages the sod to put down deep roots.
Treat it gently. Keep off the sod in the beginning; foot traffic can damage it. You should not mow it for at least ten days. When you do mow for the first time, set the mower blade as high as possible. Cutting the new grass too short could damage it. Also, do not apply any weed killers during the first growing season.
Check your new sod in 10-14 days to see if it is rooting. If it is not, change your watering schedule. Try deeper, less frequent waterings. If the grass seems to be drying out, increase the watering time, and make sure every area is getting an equal amount of water.
Sod is a great product for creating a lush, green lawn in a short time. Ask your local lawn care expert for some more tips on installing sod successfully.