Helping Your Installed Sod Take Root

Installing pre-grown sod can be an excellent way to give your pitiful looking lawn a much-needed jumpstart. If your lawn is mostly bare, consisting of more dirt patches than lush green grass, you might be best to consider sod as a quick replacement, especially when time is not on your side, and seeding and growing a new lawn is not an option. You’ll have lush green grass in no time, and it will root quickly allowing for that upcoming lawn party or simply adding beauty and usability for your own pleasure.

Some preparation is needed before your sod arrives, and some instructions need to be followed implicitly to allow your sod its best chances for successful attachment and growth. You first need to remove existing grass remnants and any pesky weeds in the area. An organic herbicide can do the job of killing grass and weeds you are unable to simply pull up; after it does its job, remove the wilted and brown remainders. Adding organic topsoil and tilling it, working it within the existing soil will ensure your sod has the best, most fertile soil possible in which to extend its root system. Rake the top of the area now, adding organic fertilizer or organic compost from your compost bin. After working in the compost and fertilizer and making sure the area is level, it is time to start watering. Extend your hose reel so that you can adequately irrigate the soil in preparation for the sod’s arrival. Attempt this in several short spurts, allowing for ample penetration of necessary water while minimizing the waste due to water runoff. These waterings should continue until the day before the arrival of your new sod. Sod should not be stored on your property when it arrives, but immediately rolled into position as the generated heat from the stacking can be harmful to the overall health of your new lawn. Lay your sod rows in place as you would if you were a bricklayer or sheet-rocker, making sure to stagger the seams thus minimizing the appearance of “blocks” of grass. For the next two weeks, the watering of your sod should be ample, allowing for nice wet sod that will quickly take root. Your hose reel should be used as much as six times a day in summer, perhaps three times in early spring to ensure rapid growth. You are able to check the rooting process by gently tugging on your sod after a couple of weeks. If it has not attached in a given area, increase the water supply; don’t be stingy! Once in place sod is fairly easily maintained, only needing adequate waterings after rooting has taken place. In this manner, you and your family can enjoy a fresh green lawn for many years to come. The rewards are ample for minimal work and expense.

About the author: Jon Bassfarm is an Internet content writer who enjoys researching and writing about many subjects including hose reel, landscaping, and much more.