Plan On Using Sod For Your Lawn? Consider These 4 Tips

Sod is a great way to instantly make your lawn look great, but it's not as simple as laying it down on your yard and being done with it forever. Follow these 4 tips to help ensure the sod will grow properly after the installation.

Consider The Sunlight Requirements

The ideal place to install sod is a location that is open and sunny, but that may not always be possible due to where the shade falls during the day. Always check what kind of sunlight requirements the sod will need to ensure that you are getting the best growth possible.

For example, Bermuda sod requires at least 4 hours of direct sunlight each day for it to properly grow. If not, the grass will photosynthesize less, retarding its growth. Areas that see significant shade during the day can have ground covering that thrive in less light instead.

Prepare Your Soil Prior To The Installation

You'll want to get your soil ready several weeks prior to the sod installation. You must also remove weeds, rocks, and clutter that is on the land before laying down the sod.

Another crucial step is to till your soil several inches deep. You can rent a tiller from your local home improvement store if you do not have one, or do it by hand using a shovel if you are on a budget and have the time.

Fertilize Your Soil

Fertilizing the soil will give your grass the best chance of thriving in its new environment. After the soil has been tilled, you can apply fertilizer. You should spread the fertilizer on the ground several weeks before the sod is installed.

It helps to use a fertilizer spreader to make sure that it is evenly spread. Follow the directions on the packaging to know what settings to use on your spreader, and then rake over the soil to work fertilizer into it.

Correctly Lay Your Sod

When the sod arrives and it is time to install it, there are some steps to follow to ensure it is installed correctly.

Start by making sure the soil is moist, then unroll your sod over the soil with staggered ends. Press each edge firmly together with the sod next to it, and trim pieces of sod with a knife so they form a snug fit around concrete and landscaping. A roller will need to be used on the sod to press it into the ground. Follow up the installation with daily watering for several weeks, and water it more than once a day when the weather is especially hot.

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