A Sod Installation Guide for New Lawns

New sod installation is an instant way to get a lush green lawn. However, you need to prepare your ground and treat the damaged areas before you can begin installing fresh sod. Even after the job is done, it is vital to water and monitor sod until it is established. Here is a guide to help you with quick and easy sod installation.

Things You Need

Tools:

Materials:

Prepare the Ground Before New Sod Installation

Choose the Right Time

It is best to install sod in early fall or at least two months before the cold weather arrives. It gives the new grass enough time to grow new roots and establish a bond with the soil.

Make Way for Sod Installation

New sod cannot grow on the existing grass or other plants, so you need to remove them. You can use a manual or power sod cutter to remove the old grass. As another option, cut the vegetation into slices and remove it by hand.

Level the Ground

Clean the site and take this as an opportunity to solve any drainage issues. Use a power tiller to churn up the lawn and level the ground. Move the tiller twice in opposite directions to thoroughly break up the soil and loosen existing plant roots. Then remove any loose vegetation and debris to ensure the level meets adjoining walkways and driveways.

Spread Topsoil

If your lawn lacks a good layer of topsoil, it is necessary to follow this step. Spread the new soil, about 6 inches thick, evenly over the ground and ensure there are no gaps during new sod installation.

Amend the Soil

A soil analysis test will tell you the amendments you need to make for any deficiencies in your soil. Use a fertilizer or any organic material such as peat moss or compost according to your soil needs.

Final Touch

Once the soil is ready, you should compress the site with a lawn roller to create a firm surface. Check the firmness by walking on the soil. The ground should not sink in more than half an inch. But remember not to compress the earth more than required.

How to Begin New Sod Installation

Dampen the Soil

A cool and cloudy day is perfect to begin sod installation. Before starting, rake the surface to loosen it slightly and spray with water to dampen it. Avoid laying sod on hot or dry soil.

Lay the Sod

Start unrolling sod on the lawn edges adjacent to a sidewalk or a driveway so that any partial strips will remain far from the centre and be less visible. Cover the edges on the left and right sides and progress toward the centre. If a single roll of sod is not enough, lay another roll next to it without leaving a gap. Press them firmly together without overlapping, and trim the rolls with a utility knife to get a smooth finish.

Complete the Installation

Continue laying the sod while ensuring that each strip sits tightly beside the other. Cut off any curved edges wherever required using a sharp spade or knife. Avoid installing narrow strips as they dry out quickly.

Use a Lawn Roller

After finishing sod installation, move a lawn roller across the ground to ensure the sod makes good contact with the soil. Press it down firmly to remove any air pockets. This will allow the sod roots to grow at a faster pace. If the sod is extremely dry, sprinkle water along the strips before rolling them.

Maintenance & Care After Sod Installation

It is essential to water the lawn every day for a few weeks. After watering, check to ensure the water has penetrated the soil by lifting a corner of the sod strip. The earth beneath should be damp but not too wet or muddy. The edges of the strips tend to dry out as the sod becomes established, so ensure they receive adequate water.

Approximately one month after your new sod installation, add a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Repeat the feeding 30 to 60 days after or in the early spring if the weather is too cold.

Consider a Professional Sod Installation Service

New sod installation is an investment, and you must consider many factors to ensure success. Whether you want to change the grass type, have a new lawn, or need sod replacement on the existing property, Simple Solutions Landscaping & Snow Removal has an ideal solution for your yard. We perform an on-site evaluation, diagnose your landscape, and choose the grass type suitable for your lawn to prevent short or long-term problems. If the ground needs any treatment, we will give you recommendations before beginning the work.

We have the expertise and experience to install sod accurately and ensure the roots establish quickly to give you a lush green lawn. To know more about our sod replacement or installation service, call us at 416-271-3503 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.