Tips For Covering Your Yard With Sod

Whether a harsh summer led to dry, dead grass or you're just looking to transform the look of a sparse and bare yard, investing in sod may be the fastest, most comprehensive solution for your needs. If you've decided to opt for sod, you need to care for it properly in the days and weeks after application so that it roots and thrives. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Test The Soil

Before you have any sod placed in your yard, you need to be sure that the soil is going to support it. Have your soil tested by a local landscaper to ensure the necessary nutrient balance. This will help you to identify any insufficiencies so you can amend the soil before you actually apply the sod.

Prepare The Soil

You'll want to invest in some starter fertilizer and basic potting soil to help create some balance, then have the whole area leveled and tilled. This step is important because fresh-cut sod has very shallow roots. You need loose soil for those shallow roots to actually settle into the soil.

Choose The Right Sod

Take time to talk with the sod company about the types that are available. That lets you choose the right one for your yard. You need to consider things like the amount of direct sunlight your yard gets, how well the soil absorbs water, and more. Make sure you don't buy a shade-demanding sod for a yard that gets full sunlight all day.

Plan Your Installation Appropriately

Don't let too much time pass between the harvest of the sod and the actual application. Waiting too long will put the sod at risk of dead roots, which will prevent it from ever actually settling. Talk with the sod contractor about the harvest schedule to make sure your order is placed on the soil within a day or two of the actual harvest.

Make Sure The Roots Make Full Soil Contact

When the sod is applied to the ground, you need to pat it down onto the soil so that the roots are in full contact. Otherwise, they won't be able to actually grow. Most sod squares have a layer of dirt where the roots sit, and that dirt should work into the soil in your yard to help the roots settle in.

Sod is a great way to get a quick cover of grass in your yard. If you really want to transform your property quickly, this is a great way to do just that. Click here for more info on your options.

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