Grass sod
Grass sod is a great option when it comes time to plant a lawn. It is especially useful, as opposed to grass seed, in smaller areas that have become bare, damaged, or overrun by weeds. It is also great for areas where terrain is uneven. Rather than wait for grass seed to establish, grass sod provides a lush and full ready-made lawn. This can be particularly useful if you have children or pets that spend a lot of time outside.
Do it yourself
Planting grass sod yourself is a little time consuming, but it's a great money saver. Follow these steps for a full, even lawn in no time.
- First, till soil 4 to 6 inches deep. This can be done even before you buy the sod. Remove all rocks, weeds, plants and often irregular objects from the area.
- Next, add organic matter, such as fertilizer, compost, or manure. Depending on the condition of the soil, you may need to do a little or a lot of this. Work matter into the soil and distribute evenly.
- Then, level out the area to create a smooth surface. This is extremely important!
- On the day of sod planting water the area, making sure it is thoroughly moist, but not muddy. Inspect the grass sod carefully before planting. It should be both green and moist.
- Begin laying the sod, starting with the longest straight line in your lawn. Push sod edges together tightly, but do not stretch. Make sure not to leave either gaps or overlaps.
- Next, use a knife to trim the corners, particularly where the sod meets concrete or pavement.
- Once sod has been laid, use a lawn roller to firmly press grass sod down into the soil.
within 30 minutes of installation. Continue to water regularly for the next several weeks, carefully following landscaping instructions.
Some great tips
To make your sod laying experience a huge success, keep these tips in mind.
- Sod is very heavy, which means that you might need some help. One square foot weighs anywhere from 4 1/2 to 5 pounds.
- Lay sod quickly, especially during hot weather. Sod dries out very fast, so make sure you are ready to lay it as soon as you pick it up or have it delivered.
- While laying sod, try not to walk on it. Indentations and air pockets can occur when fresh sod is walked or kneeled on. Try to stay off of it for a few days.
- Water evenly! Because new grass sod requires a large amount of water, it is easy to grow tired of watering after you've been at it for awhile. This can result in one area of the lawn receiving more water than another, resulting in patches that can wilt or turn brown.
Shelling out the money
Sod is usually sold by the square foot or yard. Prices vary depending on grass type and grower. You can expect to pay anywhere from 15 to 35 cents per foot. Two of the least expensive types of sod sold are Kentucky bluegrass and Bermuda. More expensive types are usually slow growing, such as zoysia, or a rare type of grass.
The right place
Sod is usually sold at local nurseries or by landscaping contractors. In some places, grass sod is available for purchase directly from the sod farm or grower. Sod farmers can give you valuable information when you are deciding on the type of grass that is best for your area. They will probably ask you about your soil type, and any shady or irregular areas. Be prepared to discuss these topics.