Sodding your lawn can be what some homeowners might consider a big investment. But with most big investments, there’s a long-term gain. Quite frankly, it is a considerable step to take in your lawn care but can be very beneficial if managed correctly. Knowing the core steps to planting sod as a homeowner can save you from ending up on the bad side of a sod planting project. Now let’s look at five important steps to planting sod the right way.
5 Steps In Order
Every step is important during the process of planting sod for the best results but to begin give yourself a head start by preparing your soil.
1. Clean the lawn
- First, make sure to clean your lawn of any debris that could get in the way like stones, twigs, and branches.
- In doing this quick and easy step you can give yourself a much easier time in getting the job done without constant obstacles getting in the way.
2. Soil Test and Sod Clods
Afterward, do a soil test to ensure the soil is ready for the sod, and if it doesn’t pass the test with the correct pH balance levels, simply amend it with the nutrients needed.
- Second, when your soil is ready to go start breaking up any sod clods that are bigger than two inches in diameter.
- Now is a great time to take advantage and allow your sod to flourish after being planted by filling any low areas of the soil with high-quality topsoil. Topsoil is the uppermost layer of the earth’s surface and it’s where the plants receive water and nutrients.
3. Rake The Soil
- Third, you’re going to need a garden rake to rake over the soil until it’s smooth and flat. This allows the process to go over much more smoothly.
4. Lay the sod
- The fourth step comes in when we actually start laying in the sod in the well-prepared soil.
- The weather of the day you choose can help out when planting sod and should be done on days that are cooler with overcast to reduce plant stress.
- Check your pieces before laying them and stagger them together to make certain they fit tight.
5. Water your sod daily
- Lastly, once the sod is placed and you have gotten the air pockets out of it, make sure to water your sod daily.
- Irrigate your soil four inches deep until your sod starts to root which takes about 3 to 4 weeks and avoid mowing until it’s established a firm rooting around 5 to 6 weeks.
- Tug on your sod around this time period to test if it has developed strong enough roots to mow, if it shows resistance that means it’s ready.
Call The Professionals
Now that you have the upper hand in knowledge and tips, laying sod is that much easier. Don’t let the idea of sodding your lawn seem like too much, Chorbie experts are here to make these things easy and achievable. Contact us today for more information about planting sod in your lawn.
Once your new sod is in the ground and ready to go, the next step is for it to grow roots. But how long does it take for a new sod lawn to root?
