What to do after your new sod is installed?
New sod should be watered immediately to make sure it thrives. To check to see that the sod is making good contact, gently lift a corner. The ground below should be moist after watering the sod. If it’s bone dry or muddy, adjust your sod installation or watering technique. Water it daily for the first week, preferably in the morning.
How long does it take to install sod?
How long does it take to install sod? One pallet (600 square feet) generally takes 1 person approximately 1-1 ½ hours to install. Hard to access areas and those requiring a lot of cutting will take longer.
When is the ideal time to purchase sod?
When is the Best Time to Buy and Lay Sod? The most effective time to lay down sod is in the early spring or early fall. This will give your sod the best chance to establish itself before the heat of summer. And remember to water your new lawn. Where to Buy Sod: Your Options.
How to lay sod in 7 Easy Steps?
Step 7 – Lay the Sod. Begin laying sod down a straight edge of the prepared area, and continue until a single row is complete. Make sure that individual strips of sod are closely butted together, but do not allow them to overlap. Once the first row is finished, start the second row with a half cut before working down alongside the first row.
What temperature is too cold for sod?
It's All About Temperature The ideal temperature range for laying new sod is 55°-75°F. Anything below 40°F is too cold and anything above 85°F is too hot in a perfect scenario. Laying sod when it is too cold or too hot outside can prevent your sod from properly rooting into the underlying ground.
Do I need to put topsoil down before sod?
Adding topsoil is not essential for sod but it will provide some benefits. What topsoil does is increases a soil's water and nutrient holding capacity, so if you do add it, the intervals between watering and fertilizing will be longer.
How long can sod sit before installing?
How long can sod sit on the pallet? Sod is a perishable product, so we recommend you lay it the same day it's been cut. If you aren't using it right away, make sure you don't let it sit longer than 24 hours or overnight, and keep it as cool as possible by placing it in the shade.
When can you plant sod in Massachusetts?
The best time of year is … Although late summer and early fall tend to be the best times for installation, sod can be laid down nearly any time of the year. With the proper steps in preparation of both the sod and existing turf, you can successfully plant sod grass beginning in the early spring months.
What do you put under sod before laying?
How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod. Loosen the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller. Spread 2 inches of finished compost (this may be available for free if your town has a municipal compost center). Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to claylike soil to improve drainage.
What is the best base for sod?
Your sod grows best in well-aerated and oxidized base soil. As you rototill your yard, you loosen and strengthen your soil to give it the oxygen newly-planted sod needs. Also level the soil to about one inch below your driveway and sidewalks to give your new sod enough room.
How long does sod take to root?
Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod. Be sure to set your mower to the highest setting possible in order to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
How long does it take to install 500 sq ft of sod?
It takes one person 1–1.5 hours to install 500 square feet of sod. Any sod ordered to your property should be installed the same day. This will allow you to begin watering the sod to ensure it survives.
Will yellow sod turn green again?
But after you bring your trash can in, it only takes a few days back in the sunlight for the grass to green up again. Add some extra water to that spot and it will bounce back even faster." Of course, rolls of new sod experience more stress than a patch in an established lawn, so they need more water and more time.
Can you put sod down in the winter?
Winter is actually a great time to install sod! This means you have more time to complete your project. Less water! You usually only need to water sod once after installation if installed in winter. The cooler temperatures and more frequent precipitation will keep the soil moist for the new grass.
Is sod better than seed?
Sod is also the cleanest choice; not a lot of dust or mud. Seed – Though it can take longer to establish a dense lawn, over time I think seed edges out sod on quality. There are more grass types and varieties to choose from so can select a turf you know will grow well in your area.
Will my new grass survive the winter?
Grass seed can survive the winter, and planting during the winter season is known as dormant seeding. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. While this comes with risks, it can also be beneficial and save you time on seeding in spring.
Can I just lay sod on dirt?
While sod can be laid directly on fill dirt, some preparation and follow up is necessary for the success of the lawn.
How do you prepare the ground for laying sod?
How to Prepare a Site for SodClear The Site. ... Rough Grade The Area. ... Till The Soil. ... Add Topsoil. ... Test The Soil pH. ... Finish Grade The Site. ... Apply Fertilizer. ... Settle The Surface.
How do I prepare my lawn before laying sod?
How to Till a Lawn Before SoddingRemove large debris from the lawn area, including rocks, branches or construction scraps. ... Till the top 6 inches of soil using a power tiller. ... Spread any desired soil amendments over the lawn area, such as compost. ... Rake the tilled lawn area smooth before installing the sod.More items...
How much topsoil do I put under sod?
Spread 2–4 Inches of Topsoil If there is 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of good existing topsoil in your yard, 2 inches (5 cm) of topsoil is necessary. If there is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) of good existing topsoil in your yard, spread 4 inches (10 cm) of topsoil.
Why do you need to make sure the ground is prepared before planting sod?
Because the sod producer did all the preliminary hard work, all you need to do is make sure the ground is properly prepared beforehand. Cultured sod comes with a pre-established root system to get it off to a quick start. The best growing conditions for laying sod are the same as planting a lawn from seed:
How hot should soil be for sod?
Delay sod installations until soil temperatures are consistently in the mid-50s F or warmer. Buy an inexpensive soil thermometer to track this.
Why Do We Lay Sod?
Although seeding a new lawn or reseeding an existing one will give you more grass type options and a healthier, better-performing lawn, sodding does have its benefits:
How to keep sod from sliding?
If sodding a hillside or steep slope, lay sod horizontally. Using biodegradable or wooden stakes to anchor the sod rolls will also help prevent the pieces from sliding out of place, especially during a heavy rain event.
Why do you stagger sod rolls?
Stagger the sod rolls to eliminate long-running seams. This will help to “lock” the sod rolls together once installed .
What to add to soil to make it a good soil?
Conduct a soil test and add amendments such as lime, sulfur or compost.
Can you sod during a drought?
Sodding during an extended drought can be problematic, even with sprinklers or an irrigation system. Continuous cycles of too wet and too dry soil conditions will stress new sod.
Why is it important to plant sod at the right time?
Planting sod at the right time and temperature helps ensure that the roots become established quickly. Once established, sod becomes less vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather, including temperature extremes.
Why is fescue so bad in summer?
Laying fescue in summer is more problematic, because as a cool weather grass it's susceptible to the heat. You'll need to be diligent in keeping it watered, and ideally water the soil before putting down your sod.
Can you put down fescue in the winter?
Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months. They're dormant in winter, and won't "green up" until spring, but they'll keep your newly installed lawn from eroding or turning into a mud pit in the meantime.
Can you lay sod in the winter?
Unfortunately you won't always get to choose when you lay your sod, and planting sod in summer heat or winter cold can affect your choice of grass. Broadly there are two kinds of grasses, warm-season and cold-season. Cold-season grasses like fescue can be put down at any time of year, though they prefer the cooler months.
What is the best fertilizer for new sod?
The Lawnifi New Lawn Starter Box is the best fertilizer for new sod and contains the perfect amount of nutrients for your newly establishing lawn’s needs. Although nitrogen is an important macronutrient for plants, your new lawn needs to get established first before it can begin promoting new growth. The New Lawn Starter Box contains the perfect amount of phosphorus, potassium and carbon to get your lawn started with establishing. Nitrogen is included in the last bottle of the box, Maintain, to give your lawn a bit of a head start.
How long after fertilizer is established can you use regular fertilizer?
You can generally transition from an establishment fertilizer schedule to a regular fertilizer schedule after the first 30 days of establishment are up. The same can be said if you follow the New Lawn Starter Box schedule above.
Why is phosphorus important for lawns?
In a newly establishing lawn, phosphorus serves to help with root growth so that your sod connects with the soil underneath it and deepens, causing the sod to stick to the ground. Potassium affects drought tolerance, cold hardiness and disease resistance. An appropriate amount of carbon will help with the overall health of your soil, which creates a successful environment for your grass to grow in. Read more about the importance carbon plays in your lawn in Why is Carbon Important to Your Lawn?. Nitrogen and iron are responsible for keeping your grass green, which can be useful—but your newly installed lawn needs more than just nitrogen and iron right now. It needs to get established to its new environment. Nitrogen and iron are still included as nutrients in the New Lawn Starter Box, but they are located in the last bottle of the box, Maintain.
How deep should I water lawnifi?
The soil should be moist three to four inches deep. Overwatering for an extended period of time, however, will severely damage the turf, inducing disease and rotting roots. During one of the waterings between day 2 and day 5, apply the remainder of the first application of Lawnifi Grow.
How long does it take to apply maintain?
Apply Maintain four weeks after installation. Maintain will enhance the color of your new lawn by providing iron and nitrogen. Maintain also contributes to healthy soil composition by delivering amino acids and microbes.
Is it cheaper to buy a lawnifi box?
Lawnifi has made it easy to purchase an entire subscription for all three seasonal Lawnifi boxes that you can make annual or monthly payments on. This is actually cheaper than purchasing each seasonal box individually. For those who prefer traditional granular fertilizer applications, check out Lawnifi Foundation, a granular fertilizer that can be used throughout the different seasons all year long. Refer to our Homeowner Maintenance Guides for bermudagrass, bluegrass, centipedegrass, fescue, St. Augustine and zoysia after the first 30 days are up. Each of the guides lay out maintenance tips for spring, summer and fall.
Is it normal to have brown grass in winter?
If it's cold when you're laying sod, St. Augustine grass or Bermuda grass will already be brown and dormant for the winter. This is perfectly normal, though it's a bit disappointing if you expect the "instant lawn" you get when laying sod in warm weather. Cool weather fescues and ryegrasses will show more green when you first lay them but might not do as well in summer.
Can you put down sod in Northern California?
Northern California's mild climate makes growing lawns and gardens easier in many ways, and laying sod is no exception. In areas with cold winters, the prospect of freezing temperatures and hard-frozen soil means homeowners can't put down sod too late in the season.
Can you sod with cold weather grass?
The sod company may have a blend of warm- and cold-weather grasses that performs well all year round in your area. Alternatively, you might opt to sod with either a warm- or cold-weather grass and then overseed with a different variety to create a suitable mixture.
When do you water new sod?
Begin watering newly laid sod within 30 minutes of installation. Apply at least 1” of water so that the soil beneath the turf is wet. Ideally 3”-4” of soil beneath the surface should be moist. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive. If the weather is particularly hot and dry, you may need to start irrigating the completed areas before the entire site is laid.
How often do you fertilize new sod?
To ensure that your turf remains healthy, feed your lawn 3-4 times during the growing season. A slow-release or controlled-release form of Nitrogen should be used whenever possible, but especially on the spring and fall applications.
How long does it take to mow new sod?
Your new sod can be mowed when it looks like it needs mowing (approximately 1 week after installation). When possible, use a walk-behind power mower, with the cutting height set high (3 inches). Do not use a riding mower as it is too heavy and its powered wheels can tear up the new sod.
When to apply for 4th fertilizer?
A fourth application in the Spring (April Fool’s Day) may be made if a late fall fertilization was not done.
Why does my lawn dry out faster?
Many sprinklers miss corners and edges which are particularly vulnerable to drying out. Areas near building also dry out faster because of reflected heat.
How long does sod last?
The rate at which this happens is determined by the air temperature. Sod ordered in winter will last for up to a week on the pallet, but if you are installing in the hot summer it will only last for 24 hours or less. Watering the sod while still on the pallet will not help. The heat of decomposition is what will make the sod turn bad, not a lack of moisture.
When sod is harvested, is it separated from most of its root system?
When sod is harvested, it is separated from most of its root system and it will dry out very quickly once unrolled. How to avoid: Once you have an area big enough for a sprinkler installed, start watering while you continue to install the remainder.
Why is my sod turning yellow?
The heat of decomposition is what will make the sod turn bad, not a lack of moisture. If you happened to wait too long and the sod is starting to yellow, it may still survive. The rule of thumb is that if there is still some green left in the blades it will come back with proper watering.
Is sod a good investment?
Purchasing sod is a great investment that beautifies your home and pays off for years to come. Sod is easy to install, but there are a couple pitfalls that you need to be careful to avoid!
Can you water sod in the morning?
Summers can be very hot an humid in this area, which provides ideal conditions for fungus to develop. This is made even worse by leaving the grass wet overnight. It is important to take extra precaution when establishing sod this time of year. After the first watering, (which should be done as soon as possible even if its in the evening), you should water only in the morning which will allow the grass to dry out in the afteroon into the evening.
What to do after laying new sod?
After laying new sod, you will need to ensure it gets the proper fertilization. Lawnifi’s New Lawn Starter Box is a great all-around nutrition program that can help your sod get a healthy start. This is what I’ve been using on all new sod jobs that I put down. Check it out here.
When is the best time to mow sodded lawn?
The best time to mow your sodded lawn is once the root system is established. You can determine this by pulling out and feeling a section of the sod for any signs of resistance. If there is, then it’s time to bring out your lawnmower!
Why does sod turn brown?
This is because, in hot weather, the sod dries out faster, causing it to turn brown, shrink, and die out. Furthermore, frequent watering helps new sod take root faster, as the moisture facilitates faster soil penetration for the sod roots. After doing this for 14 days, it’s now time to mow your lawn for the first time.
Why do you need to mow new sod?
New lawns, whether established via sodding or seeding, need to be mowed for better turf health and an enhanced visual appearance. Mowing at the wrong time and frequency can easily damage your lawn. Here’s a guide on when to mow new sod and why it is important to adhere to the waiting time.
What happens when you mow a newly sodded lawn?
When you mow your newly sodded lawn, significant portions of the grass leaves that facilitate photosynthesis are cut off, forcing the plant to regrow the leaves while also sprouting more shoots. These new shoots translate into an increased surface area/turf density .
Why is high density turf good for lawns?
A high-density turf can tolerate foot traffic without losing its lush color. As for sports turfs, a high-density turf is desirable since it increases the turf’s playability.
How long can you keep sod rolled up?
During cool months sod can stayed rolled up for much longer, I have seen rolls 5-7 days old that survived just fine in cool weather.
How to tell if sod is toast?
If the inside is black and slimy with an unforgettable smell, your sod is toast. If your sod is yellow and just a little smelly, you’re okay, water and put a fertilizer on it. The sod will recover in about a week, apply seed to any area that didn’t recover.
Does sod decompose when rolled?
Sod decomposes when rolled up. To put an exact number on the time it takes to heat up and destroy the inside of the rolls will depend up certain items: The temperature both the ground and air. Humidity level. Soil composition.