What do you add to soil before laying sod?

Lay fresh topsoil if needed. Add lawn fertilizer or lime to the ground, depending on the pH of your soil. This makes your property healthy and ready to receive the new sod.

What fertilizer to use for sod prep?

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.

Should I treat soil before laying sod?

It is important to loosen the soil before planting new sod because it reduces compaction and makes it easier for the roots to grow into the soil. Also, the loose soil will hold moisture better, reducing the amount you have to water. You don't have to rototill before laying sod but, we strongly recommend it.

What should I put on my soil before laying sod?

Do you need starter fertilizer for sod?

This is recommended for all grass types. Starter fertilizer is recommended whenever installing sod or seed. Spread this fertilizer on the ground before installing sod on top.

Laying Sod

Is sand a good base for sod?

Sandy soil can lose nutrients quickly due to its inherent problems with water retention. As water runs quickly out of the soil, it pulls essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus out with it. Soil lacking in these key nutrients won't be able to adequately feed new sod for long.

What is the best soil amendment for new sod?

Add Compost to the Soil

We recommend one cubic yard of compost per every 1,000 square feet of sod, or one cubic foot of compost for every 20 square feet of sod.

What time of year is best to lay sod?

You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, as long as the ground is not frozen and you have adequate water for establishment and maintenance, although spring and early autumn are best. Cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.

How long before laying sod Should I fertilize?

When to fertilize new sod? You will want to wait 30 days after installing your new sod to apply fertilizer, to give it time to take root and acclimate to your yard.

Is October too late to lay sod?

You can lay sod anytime during the growing season, although spring and early autumn are best—cool temperatures combined with occasional rain help sod quickly root.

Is it better to water new sod in the morning or evening?

Water early in the morning, 6-8am. Wind speeds are lower and less water is lost to evaporation. Watering in the evening is discouraged—water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus.

Can I lay sod on hard dirt?

Laying the sod is the easy part; getting the soil ready so it can keep your sod healthy takes much longer. 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.

Is Epsom salt good for new sod?

Use Epsom salt as lawn fertilizer in the spring to facilitate lush green growth. Add 2 tablespoons (29.5 ml.) to each gallon (3.7 L.) of water used on the lawn. If you have a sprinkler system, lightly sprinkle directly atop the grass and then allow the system to water into the sod.

What is the best additive for soil?

One of the most common additives to improve drainage is vermiculite, a lightweight mineral that helps hold water in the soil while allowing moisture and oxygen to move freely. Perlite is a type of volcanic glass that also holds water in the soil, much like vermiculite, while increasing drainage and oxygen flow.

How thick of topsoil do I need for sod?

The soil and root system of the sod is about 1/2 inch thick. Usually a grade of 1/2 to 11/2 inches below driveways is recommended for the soil. Remember, the sod is uniformly machine cut and will conform to any irregularities in your grade. Water soil lightly to firm it down.

Should I mix sand with topsoil for grass?

The best sand to use is play sand, which you can buy at any home center. A typical mixture is 40 percent sand, 40 percent topsoil, and 20 percent compost. The sand provides good drainage, while the compost adds nutrients to the soil to promote grass growth.

What happens if you dont water new sod?

Newly laid sod should be watered for at least 45 minutes immediately following your sod installation. Too short of a watering time won't allow the sod or soil to gather enough moisture to begin the rooting process. Provide your sod with ample water that will enable the roots to grow into the soil.

How long does it take sod to root?

It can take up to six weeks for the sod to develop a deep root system. As the sod develops its shallow root system and moves on to develop a deeper root system, it's critical to increase the amount of time between waterings to encourage roots to grow deeper in search of moisture without stressing the lawn.

What happens if you don't water new sod enough?

Too little and your sod will die; too much and it will rot or drown. And while most people are afraid they are not watering their lawns enough, more grass dies as a result of too much water. Watering properly immediately after you install your grass will ensure it gets established properly in the soil.

How long can sod sit without being laid?

How long can sod sit on the pallet? Sod is a perishable product, so we recommend you lay it the same day it's been cut. If you aren't using it right away, make sure you don't let it sit longer than 24 hours or overnight, and keep it as cool as possible by placing it in the shade.

Can you walk on new sod?

Take care not to walk or run on new sod, as this can prevent the fragile young roots from developing properly. If you have pets, try to prevent as much contact with the newly installed sod as possible.

How do you keep sod alive in the fall?

How do you lay sod for beginners?

Rake the soil as you lay the sod to clear any bumps under the surface. After you've laid the first row, smooth out any areas that have wrinkled or bunched up. Be careful not to step on the sod. Then, carefully pat the new patch into the ground with a shovel to remove any air pockets and encourage the sod to take root.