Lawn In Bad Shape? Install Sod To Replace It

If your lawn is in bad shape and it would take too much work to get it looking good again, one option you have is to replace your lawn with sod. You will also hear sod referred to as turf. Below is information on how sod is installed to replace a lawn so you can decide if you would like to go this route. 

Type of Sod

There are different types of sod you can choose from. There is bluegrass sod, which is a blue or a deep green color. There is also centipede grass which is a light green, and fescue which offers you a soft lawn. There are other types, and the contractor can show you examples of each to help you make the choice. 

The sod must be laid on the day it arrives as if it is not fresh it will not grow well. The contractor will likely purchase large rolls. They can easily cut the rolls to accommodate the size of your yard.

Prepare the Area

The contractor will take steps to get the lawn ready for new sod. First, they need to kill your lawn and suppress the grass from growing back. They do this by first watering the lawn and then placing an herbicide over the entire lawn. Once this is done, a thick layer of compost will be placed over the whole plot. The compost is left on the lawn for a few weeks to completely suppress growth. 

After a few weeks, the contractor will use equipment, such as a rototiller, to loosen the soil. This will also show if there are any rocks buried in the soil. The contractor will have the soil tested to determine if any nutrients need to be added to it. 

Install Sod

Once the area is prepped the contractor will lay the sod. The contractor will use a straight edge, such as the edge of a driveway, to start the first row. When the first row is finished, the contractor will inspect it to ensure are no wrinkles or air pockets. When the entire lawn is finished the contractor will look for gaps that may need to be filled in. They will then use a roller to press the sod to the ground. 

When finished, the contractor will thoroughly water the sod to help the roots get established. After this, you should continue watering the sod yourself. The contractor can tell you how often you need to do this and how much water to use.

The contractor will give you information on how to take care of the sod after they are finished, such as when you can start mowing. For more information about sod grass, contact a landscaping service.


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