There is no denying that a lush lawn is a sight to behold. Sodding your property is a convenient way to replace any struggling or withering turfgrass. While it’s costlier when compared to seeding, sod is still a convenient addition to your garden. Plus, sod requires minimal maintenance when compared to seeding.
We take a look at a common question among property owners; how to lay sod over the existing lawn.
Well, you need various tools for convenience, work on your watering the garden right, and more. Sod is a delicate organic material, so you have to be cautious when applying it to your yard. Below is the comprehensive guide:
How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod
You will need a few tools, a step-by-step guide and a few useful tips to get this process right. They include:
Things you Will Need for This Process
- A rototiller
- Sod removal tools for cutting the sod
- A spreader for the fertilizer
- Some manure or compost
- An iron rake or spade
- Gardening gear
Steps
1. Loosen up the Soil
Loosen up to 3 cm of soil using a rototiller. Then, add 1.5 to 1.8cm of prepared compost or manure. Then, add 1cm of some dirt to help boost drainage. Till the soil as required, and then use a spreader to add some fertilizer to the setup.
2. Leveling Your Lawn
Use an iron rake to level up the mixture and any uneven spots, so the soil sits a few inches below the surfaces, such as curb or pavements. Then, water the given area lightly to encourage growth.
3. Laying the First Row
Locate the longest straight section in your yard. Then, place the first roll of sod along the given area. Ensure you don’t step on the sod during placement, and use a rake to remove any footprints. Get rid of the uneven or wrinkled spots on the sod, so the sod sits flat against the soil beneath.
4. Setting the Next Rows
Once you set the first row, get a knife to cut the next piece, which is vital in setting sod right. It’s the same thing you would when laying bricks. Remember to arrange sections of the turf snugly, such that they never overlap. Not only is it essential in improving the appearance of the seams, but to also reduce any likelihood of drying. Then get a knife and use it to make holes in the ground,
5. Watering New Sod
The next step is to water the lawn, which is vital in setting the soil right. Remember to keep traffic off the sod for up to seven days. Besides you have to water every day, particularly morning and evening. Keep track of the sod growth and adjust the watering pattern as required.
When is It Right to Fertilize and Mow New Sod?
You may have to fertilize grass that gets to about 7cm height; consider mowing back down to 5cm. Since your new lawn is not yet at optimal health, a walk-behind mower would suffice. The main reason for this is its light and makes it easy for you to bag the clips. While you probably want it to grower high in the summer when weeds thrive, consider cutting at 25% of the grass length.
As far as fertilizing goes, give your lawn up to three or four weeks to develop. Once it’s complete, boost its growth with the starter fertilizer to replace any lost nutrients during the initial watering process.
Tips for Laying Sod Over Existing Lawn
Below are some helpful tips you should consider for sod installation purposes. They include:
- Since sod is an organic material and can dry quickly, consider cutting your sod at the right time. Some farmers go as far as cutting the turf a night, so delivered early in the morning before the sod dries out. Use a sprinkler across the given area to help keep it moist and ready for the installation process.
- It’s not easy to tell the moisture level of soil just by looking at it. A soil probe is the most suitable solution for this process. After the watering, the ground underneath should be damp enough to encourage the growth of grass.
- Sod also requires adequate sunlight, especially as the plants g through the photosynthesis process. Besides, remember to water all the shad spots and regulate the use of fertilizer as required.
FAQ
Do I Need to Rototill Before Laying Sod?
Yes, you have to rototill before you start farming. You may need various other tools and gardening gear. Alongside laying the sod, this process should take up to seven days.
Can you Lay Sod Over Existing Grass?
No, it’s not possible for you to place sod on top gross with sufficient preparation. All sod must make adequate contact with the layers of soil beneath, where the roots grow. Therefore, ensure the existing lawn is sparse, or you have to add some dirt to it before laying the sod.
How do I Level My Yard Before Laying Sod?
Use a lawn roller over the soil surface, and avoid plodding on the sod, as this can cause damage to the layers beneath. Besides, remember to get rid of any loose soil such the surface is well leveled.
How Much Does Kentucky Bluegrass Sod Cost?
On average, Kentucky Bluegrass costs between $160 to $180 per pallet. It’s a popular choice among homeowners because of its quality, particularly the lush green appearance. Plus, it can also mainly due to the heavy foot traffic it can accommodate.
Finally
There are various ways to improve the appearance of your lawn, yard, or any space than with the proper techniques. The focus of this guide has been on how to lay sod over existing lawn.
It’s a process that involves various steps, including rototilling, measuring the soil layers, and more. Done right, you should have a lush green lawn in a few weeks. The good thing is that laying sod is a simple process, and most resources required for this process are readily available.