Today, we’re sharing all the best sod tips and tricks to help you create a beautiful home exterior that will impress all your neighbors.
After all, one of the most dramatic ways to boost the curb appeal of your home is to add a lawn.
Sod is a magical transformation tool that takes a dull lot of dirt and makes it into a lush, green, living carpet nearly instantaneously. Unlike grass seed, which can take a couple of years to successfully fill in a lawn, sod is grown at a farm and harvested in peak condition, so it’s ready to grow right away. When you consider that a well-maintained lawn can actually increase the value of your home, any time and effort you put into getting your grass in tip-top shape is well worth it, and sod can get you there the fastest.
Preparation Saves Time in the End
If you’re going to make the investment of putting in a lawn, make sure you do it right! Skipping steps can set you up for problems down the road. It’s much easier to fix grading, drainage, and soil composition before the grass goes in.
- Test your soil and add any needed amendments. Organic matter, like good quality compost, is always beneficial, particularly if you have the heavy clay soil common in northern Utah.
- Grade your soil to be one inch below any hard surfaces, such as a patio, sidewalk, or driveway. When the grass is placed, it will be level, creating a neat appearance.
- When placing sprinklers, make sure your sprinklers are providing head to head coverage—water from each sprinkler head should reach to the neighboring sprinkler heads, ensuring full, even coverage.
Sod Installation
Did you know that sod is often harvested at night so that the freshest grass is delivered to your door? Timing is key, and it’s important to work quickly when putting in your sod. Here are some sod tips and tricks for installation:
- Aim for installation within the first 24 hours upon delivery. It is crucial to keep the grass moist during this time to prevent the plants from drying out.
- Lay the first row of sod against the longest straight edge. This could be a fence, patio, or yard line.
Newly Planted Sod
Once the sod has been laid, the young plants need time to get established in the soil. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Stay off newly laid sod as much as possible, particularly during the first few weeks.
- New sod needs to be kept moist, so be sure you’re watering adequately. Check the soil daily to watch for any dry spots and water as needed.
- Wait until the grass reaches 3 to 4 inches in height before mowing for the first time.
- Apply a slow-release fertilizer six weeks after installation, which will provide the lawn with needed nutrients for growth.
Contact Monarch Sod
Follow these sod tips and tricks, and you’ll be well on your way to a beautiful green lawn. For premium quality sod, Monarch Sod has you covered. We provide service to Utah, Salt Lake, and Davis counties, all from our Lehi, Utah farm. Contact us today for a free quote and get started on your new lawn.var /*99586587347*/
