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Prepare the soil and destroy any remaining weeds and grass by tilling the yard prior to sodding. Till to a depth of at least 3 inches. Ensure any vegetation left after Step 1 is fully broken up. After tilling, use a rake to level the yard. Add topsoil as necessary.
What should I put on my soil before laying sod?
How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod. Loosen the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller. Spread 2 inches of finished compost (this may be available for free if your town has a municipal compost center). Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to claylike soil to improve drainage.
How do you lay sod in Texas?
Lay the first row of sod from one end to the other, keeping as straight a line as possible. Pat down each individual piece as you go, smoothing out any wrinkles or air pockets. Avoid stretching the turf. Continue to lay the rest of the rows, staggering the pieces in a brick wall fashion.
Can I lay sod without tilling?
To lay sod, you’ll need freshly-prepared soil, which usually requires tilling. This enables the sod to quickly root into the soil. However, if the area you need to sod is small, you should be able to work the soil over manually and skip using a rototiller.
Can you put sod on dirt?
While sod can be laid directly on fill dirt, some preparation and follow up is necessary for the success of the lawn.
Should you put topsoil down before sod?
Adding topsoil is not essential for sod but it will provide some benefits. If you cannot have the topsoil mixed into the existing soil, then do not apply it! A thin layer of topsoil prevents grass plants from rooting deeply.
Should I put fertilizer down before sod?
Tips for Laying Sod | Be sure to fertilize first! Apply a Starter Fertilizer first, before laying down the sod. You would also want to include an application of Gypsum, which will loosen the existing ground and encourage a healthier root system.
What kind of fertilizer do you put down before laying sod?
Typical starter fertilizer recommendations are (N-P-K) of 10-10-10 or 19-19-19. Lightly incorporate this starter fertilizer into the top 2-3 inches of topsoil to avoid root injury. Lightly tamp or roll the topsoil to settle the surface and create an ideal surface for installing the sod.
When should you lay sod in Texas?
Thanks to mild winters and rare freezes, planting sod during winter is one of the best seasons in Texas to have your lawn ready by spring. When new sod is placed during winter, it gives your lawn ample time and good rain to grow and take root before the hot weather starts.
How do you lay St Augustine sod in Texas?
Begin laying the sod in early morning during the coolest temperatures of the day, if possible. Lay the first row of St. Augustine sod along a straight line such as driveway or sidewalk. Rake the soil with each new row of sod that is laid down.
Can you lay sod over existing grass?
People often think that laying sod over an existing lawn makes sense and saves time. In fact, laying fresh sod over an existing lawn is no shortcut and could kill your sod and cause you twice as much work. Removing your old lawn before laying new sod is crucial for a healthy root system.
Will sod grow on compacted soil?
When your yard is covered in hard dirt, the sod isn’t likely to thrive, although it might not die. Instead, loosen and prepare the dirt so your sod can establish quickly and provide you with a lush, full lawn.
Can you put sod on top of sand?
Laying sod over sand is a quick way to establish a new lawn. A yard often contains a combination of the common soil types: sand, silt, clay and loam. Laying sod over sand is a similar procedure to placing sod over any other type of soil. A benefit of laying sod over sand is that water drains quickly.
Can you lay sod over crabgrass?
Crabgrass growth is slow during spring months. Pre-emergent herbicides can provide excellent control of crabgrass that has not germinated in your lawn, but should not be applied to the soil before laying new sod or to new sod because it may restrict rooting.
How long does sod take to root?
Your new sod should root within 10-14 days of application. This is also when you should mow your new lawn for the first time after laying sod. Be sure to set your mower to the highest setting possible in order to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
How do I level my yard before laying sod?
Instantly renew and level out your lawn by laying sod. Take a Soil Test. Measure the Area You’ll Be Sodding. Dig Organic Matter Into Soil. Rake Soil Level. Unroll Turf. Lay Turf in Rolls. Create Tight Seams.
How much soil do I need under sod?
1: Spread & level topsoil to a finished approx. 3 – 3.5 inches minimum compacted depth. Your finished top soil grade should be 1 inch below driveways, curbs, walks and patios etc. to allow for ease of mowing. *Be sure to have topsoil in place, spread, leveled & rolled/compacted before sod arrives.
What is best fertilizer for sod?
NEW SOD LAWNS For new sod, it is critical to get the roots established first. A fertilizer with an adequate amount of phosphorus is best. Apply fertilizer with a listing of 16-16-16 (rate: 6.5 lbs / 1000 sq. ft.) or 10-20- 20 (rate: 10 lbs / 1000 sq.
What should you not do when laying sod?
Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, here are a few big mistakes you need to avoid. Overlapping Rolls. Mowing the Lawn Too Soon. Forgetting to Roll. Failing to Prep Your Soil. Not Watering Your Sod.
