Sodding is a type of lawn establishment that involves laying pre-grown rolls of grass onto the soil instead of planting grass seed. It can be used to quickly establish a lawn and is available at many garden centers.
Sod has many advantages over seeding a lawn. It takes less time to produce a full-grown lawn and it also produces lower weed growth.
One of the most important things to know is that sod does not require germination, so it will look like an established lawn as soon as you put it in your yard. It’s also very easy to use, so it’s a great option for those who are new to lawn care and want a quick way to create their own green paradise.
It’s a good choice for people who have limited access to water, as it helps prevent erosion by diverting the flow of runoff into the ground. It can also be an excellent solution for areas of the yard that are susceptible to flooding.
Choosing the Right Sod
Different sod types have different requirements when it comes to sun exposure, temperature, and other factors that affect how a lawn grows. You’ll need to do some research on the type of sod that will best suit your needs.
Some sod types, such as bermuda, thrive in full sunlight while others prefer partial shade. This is important to consider before purchasing sod, as it can make a big difference in the health of your lawn.
You should also be sure to purchase sod that has been harvested from a reputable supplier. Buying sod from a bad supplier can lead to damaged or diseased sod, which will not be healthy for your new lawn.
Sod is usually a mix of Kentucky bluegrass and other turfgrass varieties, such as perennial ryegrass or improved varieties of tall fescue or fine fescue. The retailer or installer should be able to tell you the varieties that are in the sod.
Generally, sod can be installed in any season as long as the ground is not frozen and the soil moisture conditions are favorable for the grass species. It will take root quickest when laid during the peak growing period for its type of grass.
However, sod should be placed and irrigated immediately after installation to ensure proper contact between the root mat and the soil surface. The sod should be watered daily for the first two weeks, then every other day, until it has fully rooted.
Once the sod has firmly rooted, it will be ready for regular maintenance and traffic. It may be mowed, rolled, and fertilized the same as an established lawn.
It’s a good idea to hire a professional to install sod as it can be a messy job and it can take some extra work. The professionals will make sure to place the sod correctly, fill in any cracks, and even tame any birds that might be trying to steal the seeds from the lawn.