Sod Installation and Care
You have a yard scattered with pallets of freshly cut sod. It is of your best interest to have it laid and watered, within 24 hours of its harvest. The least amount of stress the turn endures the better results you will have.
Preparation of soil: Prior to the arrival of the sod, soil preparation needs to be finished. Remove any weed matter and rocks. This can be done by Natural Elements Lawn & Landscape doing a finish grade for you, or if you choose to do the preparation yourself, you can hand rake your soil, to make a smooth bed for your new sod to continue a strong root system.
How to start: Make an outline of the perimeters of your yard. (keep in mind landscape borders, driveways, and property lines) Always start in the back of your home, and work towards the front. This ensures access for equipment, in the event that you should be over or short in quantities.
As each area is completed, start watering immediately. After the turf has been laid, water until it begins to feel squishy when you walk on it. The water should have soaked through the turf, and into the top soil. Check by lifting up the ends of the rolls of sod. NEVER ALLOW THE SOD TO DRY OUT UNTIL IT IS COMPLETELY ROOTED.
With the exception of long periods of hot dry weather, an inch of water per week should keep your lawn green and in good condition. Should Mother Nature need a little assistance, it is better to water your lawn deeply once a week, instead of doing a little each day. This encourages deeper rooting, and better overall health of your lawn. Another important reason for weekly watering is that many weeds are shallow rooted, and a little water every day is exactly what our little lawn enemies need to flourish!!
Of all the elements needed to keep your lawn healthy and green, none is as important as NITROGEN. Nitrogen promotes leaf and stem growth, makes lawns greener and more luxurious. In addition to nitrogen, two other key components essential for a healthy lawn are Phosphorus and Potash. They both promote general root development and rhizomes (underground runners, from which develop new stems and blades) First feeding should take place two weeks on either side of April 15th, depending on the spring. Second feeding, around Memorial Day. And the third feeding should be two weeks on either side of Labor Day. This feeding helps prepare the grass for our harsh winters, and keep it green through out the fall. Ask Natural Elements Lawn & Landscape Inc. for a top quality fertilizer and weed control plan. If you self-fertilize, please note the recommended rates of application, percentages, and conditions of application.
Newly installed sod should not need mowing until it has begun to take root. If it is growing up, then you can assume the roots are growing down. Raise your mower to the highest setting of cutting, for the first few times. A bluegrass lawn should be cut 1 1/2 in. in the spring, and fall, and 2 in. in the hot season.
Contact Us for a Project Estimate
Natural Elements Lawn & Landscape would be happy to discuss your project. Send us an email at sales@naturalelementsinc.net or call (952) 270-3385.