QA

Quick Answer: How To Lay Sod Down

Can you just throw sod down?

In fact, laying fresh sod over an existing lawn is no shortcut and could kill your sod and cause you twice as much work. Removing your old lawn before laying new sod is crucial for a healthy root system. Removing your old lawn before laying new sod is crucial for a healthy root system.

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.

What is the best time to lay down sod?

The best time to lay sod is late summer or early fall, when daytime temperatures are still warm and nighttime temperatures are cooler. Warm soil temperatures help sod roots quickly knit into the soil surface. This also gives the sod plenty of time to get established before winter weather arrives.

Will sod grow on top of grass?

Sod, though, can be applied directly over existing grass.” When the grass dies, it gives off nutrients that actually benefit the new sod above it. The main nutrient that the dead grass layer provides is nitrogen. Applying sod directly over grass is advantageous because it requires less work.

How do I sod my existing lawn?

Here’s how to lay sod, in six steps. Step 1: Prepare your soil. If you want to lay down sod, you probably want to start by shopping for sod. Step 2: Deal with old sod. Step 3: Till the soil. Step 4: Buy your sod. Step 5: Lay down the sod. Step 6: Water and fertilize your sod.

Can you lay sod without tilling?

To lay sod, you’ll need freshly-prepared soil, which usually requires tilling. However, if the area you need to sod is small, you should be able to work the soil over manually and skip using a rototiller. Remove existing weeds, grass, rocks and other debris from the area.

What should you put down before sod?

Remove the Old Grass. Before laying sod, the old grass and a bit of the old soil beneath it has to be taken away. Prepare the Soil. Use a garden rake (also known as a bow rake) to level the soil and break up any large chunks. Lay the Sod. Neaten the Edges. Water Frequently.

Should dirt be wet before laying sod?

Laying sod is a gratifying experience—you get a new, green lawn in no time! The time to lay sod is early morning before it gets too hot. The soil in the planting area should be moist, not soggy or dry. Water thoroughly one or two days before the sod is delivered so that the top several inches of soil are wetted.

Is sod hard to grow?

Sod Installation: Sod installation is more difficult than it looks. The ground should be loosened and leveled, then sprinkled with fertilizer and moistened before laying the sod. Sod should be firmly tamped with a roller then immediately watered as it’s installed.

How thick is sod usually?

The sod thickness depends on the species of grass, the age of the grass and the cultural practices that have taken place. Typically the thickness of the sod is about 5/8″ thick; the best way to know for sure is to call ahead.

Should I fertilize before laying sod?

Tips for Laying Sod | Be sure to fertilize first! Apply a Starter Fertilizer first, before laying down the sod. You would also want to include an application of Gypsum, which will loosen the existing ground and encourage a healthier root system.

How long can sod sit on pallet?

The answer is somewhat straightforward. In most cases, don’t allow your pallets of sod to sit for any longer than 24 hours from being picked to being installed, and that’s assuming ideal conditions. Choose a cooler, overcast day for sod installation if possible, as this reduces the stress on the grass.

Is it better to plant grass seed or sod?

Sod – Simply put, sod is the most expensive option because you are essentially paying someone else for time and materials of growing the grass. Seed – Financially, seeding is an appealing choice as the cost of even the best seed mix is still a lot cheaper than sod, so if budget is your driving factor, seed wins out.

Can you lay sod over existing weeds?

Can You Lay Sod Over Weeds? You should never lay sod over weeds. You will only prevent weeds for a short time. Weeds will quickly work their way up through even the smallest seams between pieces of sod grass or push up through the sod and topsoil.

How do you stop weeds from growing on new sod?

Consider a selective post-emergent herbicide in a spray bottle or tank sprayer with a controllable stream; this way, you can easily spot-treat the weeds in your new sod. Pre-emergent herbicides prevent weeds from growing, but if you lay sod in spring or fall it may be too late to use this kind of herbicide.

How much sod is on a pallet?

Keep in-mind: A pallet of turf grass covers approximately 450 square feet of lawn. Contact us for the most accurate measure.