When a homeowner chooses to sod their lawn or an area of their property, it is a substantial money and time commitment. While sodding a yard may be easier than starting grass from seed, there are several tips that one should follow for the best results. Preparation upfront can save a homeowner from stress and heartache down the road.
Prepare the Lawn
Before laying sod, Homeowners should remove the existing grass and vegetation. Remove any sticks, limbs, or rocks that may be a nuisance or in the way of a line of sod. The existing grass should be removed as well. Ridding the lawn of existing grass is extremely important if you are switching grass species. Leaving the original grass variety in place may lead to unwanted mixing of grass varieties.
A glyphosate product can be used when preparing to lay sod. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the standard product RoundUp. Glyphosate can be applied up to ten days prior to sodding. Waiting ten days will allow the herbicide to kill the existing grass and work its way through the soil. Once the glyphosate has killed the lawn, the dead grass can be either dug up or scraped out using a garden rake.
Prepare the Soil
Properly preparing the soil is one of the most critical steps in laying the sod. Sod receives its nutrients and moisture from the earth, and it will be needed in abundance after it is laid down. If a homeowner has never conducted a soil test on their lawn, one should be undertaken prior to laying the sod. The results of a soil sample will be able to identify any nutrient deficiencies or pH balance issues that may be present. If any shortages exist, correct them prior to laying sod. Most common soil health issues can be fixed easily by using potassium, phosphorus, or nitrogen to prepare the earth.
Homeowners should also use a rake or shovel to break up and clumps of dirt that they may find. Loosen up any hard or compacted areas that exist on the lawn. Breaking up the soil will allow for more water retention and more surface area for the ground to come into contact with the roots of the sod. Compacted soil will not retain water or nutrients as well as loosely packed soil will. Finally, remove any other debris and correct any low spots that may exist on the lawn.
Lay Staggered Strips of Sod
Begin laying the sod along the longest side of the area first. Lay the strips of sod against any boundaries, such as driveways, brick exteriors, or gardening walls first. Make sure that each strip of sod makes complete contact with the earth below it before laying the next piece. Homeowners should stagger each line of sod to resemble the bricks in a brick wall. Staggering, the sod will lead to a more uniform and thick lawn after the turf begins to grow. Fill in any uneven, curved, or smaller gaps after the central portion of the lawn has been placed. Cutting sheets of sod to fit unique spaces is fine.
Care should be taken not to cut pieces that are too small, as tiny bits of sod are less likely to survive than larger sheets. It is also important not to walk on the sod once it is laid. Walking on freshly laid sod can cause unevenness in previous lines of turf.
Water and Fertilize
Zoysia grass sod will need to be watered two to three times a week after it has been installed. More frequent watering may be required if the weather is warmer or if drought conditions exist. Watering schedules can be decreased after six to eight weeks after installation. Regular watering of 1-1.5 inches of water per week can take place after eight weeks.
Zoysia grass needs a high level of nitrogen to thrive. 15 – 0 – 5 fertilizers should be applied to freshly installed Zoysia sod. Take care to not over-fertilize new sodas fertilizer burn can damage or kill young grass. Providing sod with an extra boost of nutrients can aid in healthy growth. Zoysia grass spreads via stolons, shoots of grass that grow away from the roots of the established plant. Homeowners may begin to see stolons sprouting a few months after installation. Do not disturb stolons, as they will lead to a healthy and thick lawn.