Tuesday, July 9, 2013

How To Setup Your Sod Correctly

By Janine Ruiz


The Tips:

I was thinking about setting up a new lawn making use of rolls of grass, and got to considering about all the terms used for the soil cover. You can almost use the conditions, turf, sod, and lawn interchangeably, and most people would know what you mean. But since I like to be somewhat accurate in my choice of words, I explored the difference between these terms. What are the terms or manual in installing the sod properly?

1. Sod dimensions - Whenever beginning your sod project a person must consider into account all landscape structures and flower beds. Then, using a measuring wheel or tape measure, precisely measure the area to be sodded. Add 5% to this number to allow for reducing around structures & beds. This number represents the square footage of sod you will need. If you are unsure most sod suppliers can help you if you give them with an accurately marked drawing.

2. Soil Preparation - Planning the base under your sod is vital! As the grass grows the roots must be able to penetrate into the soil. Tough surfaces protect against the growth of grass. Make sure all stones, old roots and grass are eliminated from the installation area. Topping this with three inches of topsoil creates a good base. This works well as the sod strips come with its own soil modification.The base area must be leveled to insure sod will also be level. Using a correct grading rake will work best. For larger areas you may need to roll over the soil using sod roller. Rolling ensures that soil does not run or settle causing holes or gaps that will hinder sod growth. Sod preparation is everything when it comes to sod installation.

4. Buying sod - There are many sod vendors to pick from (lawn and garden stores, sod growers and nurseries) but you should know what you are looking for. Sod strips should be thick and at least 2 inches long. Look for a consistent green color with a network of roots on the underside, with a moist soil base of at least 1". Sod strips should not tear or fall apart when handled. For large applications, we advise sod shipping and delivery to decrease handling. Place your first strip of sod starting in opposition to the edge of a flower bed, house, patio or any landscape border. The subsequent row should overlap at the seam. Do not line up your seams! Arrange seams to steer clear of lines when sod grows in. Use a sod cutter (you can buy one at most lawn and garden stores) to cut along all borders and around landscape sprinkler heads. Keep all pieces on the side as you may need them to fill up in as you do the job. During the first a couple of weeks you should water for 45 minutes. This heavy watering helps to push roots down into soil. Subsequent this, you should water it 20 to 30 minutes a day, relying on heat conditions. Every person wants to know when it's good to do the first cut. Relying on the growth of the turf and if the roots started to grab it, it will determine when you can cu it. Test the area by carefully pulling back a part of sod. If the sod has rooted, you may do your first cut. Since your new lawn is in its infancy, it should be mowed at a slow pace for the initial month.




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