Prepare your soil for sod

If you want a lush and healthy lawn, sod grass rolls provide you with an instantly elevated look. However, you will get that desired transformation only if you do it right. But, not everyone has all the knowledge and skills needed for sod installation in Edmonton. If you are also one of them, worry not!

Below, we have discussed how to lay sod in seven easy steps.

1. Prepare your soil for sod: Loosen the top six inches of soil using a rototiller. Then, evenly spread 2 inches of finished compost on the area. Add approximately three inches of sand to improve drainage. Finally, use a spreader to lay down the fertilizer and lime. 

2. Level your lawn: Knock down all high spots with an iron rake and fill in low spots. The ultimate aim is to ensure that the soil is level and is one inch below the walkway and driveway level. You can also water the soil to dampen it.  

3. Lay the first row: Get the longest straight edge in your yard and unroll the first sod roll along it. However, keep off the sod and look for footprints as you go while installing it. Smooth out wrinkles or loose areas and pat down the sod, making it flat against the soil below it. Make sure there are no air pockets. You can also hire professional sod installation services near you for the job.

4. Lay the following rows: Now, cut the next piece in half using a knife to stagger the short seams. Install them section-wise and make sure they do not overlap with each other. It will help the seams be less noticeable, and the edges will be less likely to dry out. You can also use a knife to trim pieces for paved areas and planting beds and cut out holes for in-ground sprinkler heads.

5. Water new sod: Water the lawn daily to help settle the soil. Also, avoid foot traffic for a week. However, remember if you water at night, the sod will get excessively wet, resulting in fungal growth. You should preferably water your lawn in the morning so that the sod loses excess water during evaporation. 

After the first week, cut back watering to twice a week for two more weeks. Then, give only an inch of water a week like any other lawn. 

6. Mow new sod: Once the grass reaches 3 inches high, mow it down to two inches. However, use a walk-behind mower for the first trim since the new lawn is still fragile. Also, bag the clippings. Ideally, you should always cut off one-third of the grass length and use a sharp blade. You can also take the help of professional landscaping services in Edmonton for this. 

7. Fertilize new sod: Allow your lawn to grow for three to four weeks, and then feed it with a starter fertilizer to offer nutrients that may have washed away during the watering. 

About Rekt Services

You must have understood how to lay sod in these seven easy steps. You can also look for professional sod installation services near you for the job. At Rekt Services, we offer landscaping, junk removal, power washing, and yard-cleanup services. Our clients choose us for our efficiency and professionalism. Plus, we take our customer’s feedback and experience seriously as it motivates us to strive for excellence. For more information, call 587-335-7662, write to quotes@rektservices.com or fill out our online contact form.

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