Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Tell Me How to Sod Before I Start Sobbing?
Question: I need to know what the lawn area is suppose to look like before you sod. I tilled it twice and raked up all the grass I could but there is some grass left. I need to know if it’s alright to lay the sod down. I will appreciate a response. I am clueless. Thank you!”
Thanks so much for your question. The good thing about laying sod is that it is very hard to screw up. Once you follow the basic steps, the grass will take over for itself and produce a thick, lush lawn that you will enjoy year round. Sod is fairly inexpensive and easy to maintain, which makes it a popular lawn option for home owners in nearly every part of the nation.
Preparing the soil is one of the more critical steps. The lawn should be tilled thoroughly to give the sod roots plenty of soft ground in which to anchor. It is not necessary to remove every scrap of grass and root before you lay your sod. Just make sure that old grass is ground up well, as it will make a fertilizer for your new sod turf. You should till the soil at least 2 inches lower than the grade for best results. You can apply a good topsoil over the area to increase growing.
Sod should be watered fairly frequently in the beginning. Do not cut or allow anyone on your lawn until the blades are at least an inch and a half high. This gives the sod plenty of time to take solid roots. Sometimes, it is helpful to water two or three times in a day, depending upon conditions.
If you follow these simple steps, you should have no trouble getting your sod laid properly. Another helpful hint to begin growing in the fall, as opposed to the spring, when the weed factor comes into heavier play.
Thanks so much for your question. The good thing about laying sod is that it is very hard to screw up. Once you follow the basic steps, the grass will take over for itself and produce a thick, lush lawn that you will enjoy year round. Sod is fairly inexpensive and easy to maintain, which makes it a popular lawn option for home owners in nearly every part of the nation.
Preparing the soil is one of the more critical steps. The lawn should be tilled thoroughly to give the sod roots plenty of soft ground in which to anchor. It is not necessary to remove every scrap of grass and root before you lay your sod. Just make sure that old grass is ground up well, as it will make a fertilizer for your new sod turf. You should till the soil at least 2 inches lower than the grade for best results. You can apply a good topsoil over the area to increase growing.
Sod should be watered fairly frequently in the beginning. Do not cut or allow anyone on your lawn until the blades are at least an inch and a half high. This gives the sod plenty of time to take solid roots. Sometimes, it is helpful to water two or three times in a day, depending upon conditions.
If you follow these simple steps, you should have no trouble getting your sod laid properly. Another helpful hint to begin growing in the fall, as opposed to the spring, when the weed factor comes into heavier play.
