(Newswire.net — July 23, 2020) — Have you ever wondered why the grass is always greener in your neighbor’s yard? Well, chances are that they’ve installed rolls of pre-grown grass.
Sure, this may cost more upfront than a seeded lawn. But, think of all the benefits that sodding offers. You can transform a bare patch of ground into a usable lawn within minutes! Sod lawns also need minimal irrigation, and they can prevent soil erosion.
If you decide to go this route, you need to do a couple of things before ordering and installing new sod. These include:
1- Remove Existing Vegetation
If you live in the city, the current form of vegetation on your lawn is likely to be turf or a blend of turf and weeds. However, for rural gardeners, lawns could have anything from pasture grasses to patches of weeds and wildflowers.
Regardless of the vegetation, you’ll need to remove it before laying your new sod. There are several techniques for achieving this:
Mechanical
This calls for using vegetation removal equipment such as cookie cutters, trailer conveyors, and rototillers. If you have sod that you’re planning to replace with a new roll, you’d need to look for a sod cutter.
Herbicide Application
Although effective, this is among the least preferred methods and for good reasons. The majority of herbicides used for the process contain toxins. If you opt for chemical removal, be sure to look for organic herbicides.
Mulching
Mulching is another technique you can employ to prep your land for sod. It involves mowing or removing weeds before adding a layer of organic material.
This technique is somewhat of a bittersweet solution. The good thing is that it not only removes existing vegetation but also enriches your land. The bad news: it takes time. You’ll need to allow the mulch enough time to break down current vegetation. For the best outcome, we recommend planting a season early before ordering your sod.
Smothering
Smothering is another natural and easy alternative. All you need is an opaque tarp and the scorching heat of the sun. Once you lay the tarp over your lawn, the vegetation underneath will languish because of the heat. Like mulching, this also takes a while; a month or so.
2- Conduct a Soil Test
The next thing you should do before purchasing sod is to perform a soil test. It’s not advisable to lay grass on unhealthy soil. Thus, a soil test helps you determine the status of soil in the area you plan to install the new sod.
For the test, collect between 4 and 6 inches of the topsoil from 10 different spots in your lawn; the more, the merrier. Send them to your local agricultural extension service for examination. Alternatively, browse online for a nearby soil-testing lab.
Be sure to submit these samples at least 14 days before installing sod. This way, you have ample time to take the necessary measures. For instance, if your lawn needs watering or is deficient in specific nutrients, you can address these issues in time.
3- Install a Sprinkler System
Now that your lawn is level and enriched with all the necessary amendments, the only thing left is to install a sprinkler system. It’s not difficult to set up a basic sprinkler system, even if you’ve never installed one before. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of a licensed plumber.
For the DIY enthusiasts who prefer to go about this process on their own, there’s a right way to install sprinklers on your lawn.
More specifically, they should be installed so that their heads are at least ½-inch above ground level. Ideally, sod has a thickness of ¾ to 1 inch. It means that if all the sprinkler heads are ½ inch above the dirt, then they should align perfectly with the sod once it’s laid.
Wrap Up
It’s vital to prepare your lawn before ordering new sod. It entails removing existing vegetation, performing soil tests, and enriching the soil. Also, be sure to install sprinklers so that it’s easy to water the grass.
Now you’re ready to order your sod and install on a super-healthy lawn. Remember, new sod ought to be installed immediately to guarantee a successful outcome.