Not sold on sod? Read this!
This week’s blog will focus on another valuable service offered here at Ruff and Ready Landscape Construction. It is perfect for people who want a lush, green lawn or people looking for instant results! Of course, we are talking about our sod installations!
A sod installation is less common than basic lawn maintenance services, like mowing. In fact, not all green industry companies offer this type of service at all.
We are happy to say that Ruff and Ready Landscape Construction offers a top-notch sod installation service! Many people do not quite understand how sod works, and we get it! It seems almost magical getting an instant lawn where you once had bare or brown spots!
The goal of the blog this week is to make sure you become more informed on the subject of sod installation services and learn some cool facts.
We will discuss:
- What is sod installation?
- Additional facts regarding sod installation.
- What are the benefits of a sod installation service?
Ok, so let’s begin.
What is involved in sod installation services?
Several things go into a sod installation service when you get one done. These include:
- Removing Old Grass
- Removing weeds in your soil
- Altering the soil (If necessary)
- Grading the Soil
- Sometimes even setting up irrigation sprinklers for the sod
Several of these offered services are merely based on the condition of your lawn. So, you may need more or fewer services, depending on the overall condition and shape that your lawn is in before we lay the sod.
What is included in a sod installation service?
Essential services include installing the sod, as well as applying new fertilizer on your freshly finished and prepared soil. The workers will then have to unroll, seam, place, and pack the sod, but a lot of time goes into the material and equipment needed in terms of area prep, protection, setup, and cleanup.
Can sod be installed over my grass?
It is not suggested to install sod over your existing grass. Most people think it is some sort of shortcut, but in fact, it is actually the exact opposite. Installing sod on top of your existing grass could ultimately kill your sod and create double the amount of work.
We recommend that you remove the old grass before installing and laying down the new sod. Removing the old lawn is crucial in creating a healthy root system for the freshly installed sod.
Do I need to prep my soil before I sod?
It is considered to be a good idea if you want to get a head start! But we are happy to do this for you too!
There are plenty of different things that you could do during your soil preparation like:
- Clear the area of debris, stones, or rocks larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Roughly grade the area to remove any drainage issues.
- Till the soil to a depth of at least 2 inches or more before topsoil is applied.
- Apply start fertilizer and combine it into the top inches of topsoil.
- Test your soil!
- Make sure the surface settles to be ready for your sod installation.
Rototilling is also an option that you can do before your sod installation, as well as many other methods. Rototilling will provide loose soil for the roots to grow into, and it also works really well with old sod and weeds, as it allows for an alternative to digging weeds out yourself by hand.
When can I start to do other lawn care services after installing my new sod?
You should wait a while between a sod installation and your other lawn maintenance services in most cases. Your freshly installed sod should take anywhere from 10-14 days to root. It is also recommended you wait 10-14 days before you mow the fresh new lawn after laying down sod.
You also may have to wait the same amount of time when it comes to running/playing or even walking on the new sod because if you allow foot traffic on your fresh lawn too early, you can actually prevent the newly grown young roots from developing the right way.
When should I water my fresh new sod?
Like most other lawns, you should water your fresh new sod in the morning as you will want to avoid watering during the evening hours. Watering during the evening hours can keep your lawn wet and moist overnight, and the dampness will bring things like disease, fungus, and unwanted pests to your property.
Is it better to seed your lawn or sod your lawn?
One of the main reasons why people chose sod over grass seed is because sod provides you with an instant lawn and the instant ability to be able to enjoy that new turf. It can take up to numerous seasons to acquire a healthy, robust, and luscious lawn from grass seeds, while sod takes root in a couple of short weeks.
What are the benefits of a sod installation service?
There are an incredible amount of benefits that come with a sod installation service. Here is a list of a few of those benefits:
- An instantly fresh new lawn!
- After installation, less irrigation is required for your lawn.
- Sod prevents soil erosion.
- It makes for a more dense lawn.
- It gives your lawn a strong foundation for health and instant curb appeal.
Remember, the proper way to receive all these incredible benefits from a sod installation service would be to have professionals like us do the job for you!
So, make sure you call in professionals for the service to get the best results and get a boost in the value of your property!
If you are a resident of Menifee, Winchester, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, or Temecula, CA, or any of their bordering areas, call Ruff and Ready Landscape Construction and ask about lawn maintenance services!