What kind of dirt do you put under sod?

Your sod grows best in well-aerated and oxidized base soil. As you rototill your yard, you loosen and strengthen your soil to give it the oxygen newly-planted sod needs. Also level the soil to about one inch below your driveway and sidewalks to give your new sod enough room.

What is the best soil to put under sod?

Black loam provides an abundance of water and nutrients to the soil which is extremely important for their health. It provides better drainage that clay-rich soil, which is why it's commonly used to prepare the soil for sodding. It consists of 95% pure black loam and 5% peat moss.

What should you put down before laying sod?

Can I just lay 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.

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.

Laying Sod

How long does it take for sod to root?

How long does it take new sod 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 long will sod last before laying?

Technically, cut sod will last about 36 hours in the summer and about 72 hours in the winter. But get it installed ASAP, please. The sooner your fresh sod goes from the farm to your soil, the better, so it doesn't dry out. The same day is best.

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.

Should you roll topsoil before sod?

When the soil dries, remove soil from high spots to fill the depressions. Next, roll the prepared soil to provide a firm base for the sod. Fill a lawn roller about one-third full of water and roll the soil until your footprints are no deeper than 1⁄2 inch.

Can you put sod on top of topsoil?

Adding topsoil is not essential for sod but it will provide some benefits. What topsoil does is increases a soil's water and nutrient holding capacity, so if you do add it, the intervals between watering and fertilizing will be longer.

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.

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.

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.

How often should I water sod first?

Water your new sod at least three times a day the first two weeks for at least 15 to 20 minutes in every area of your lawn. That time is, however, dependent on how much water your sprinkler emits. You can irrigate fewer times if the temperatures are not high and it is not sunny.

How long does it take to install 500 sq ft of sod?

How long does it take to install sod? Installing 1 pallet, which is 500 sq ft., generally takes 1 person approximately 1-1 ½ hours. Hard to access areas and those requiring a lot of cutting will take longer.

Can you put new sod over old 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.

What to do after sod is laid?

Can you water new sod too much?

Overwatering new sod will prevent the roots of the sod from getting the oxygen they need to thrive. If you are planting new sod in warm weather, overwatering can also lead to disease. One way to tell if your sod is being overwatered is to check the bottom of the soil a few minutes after watering.

Will yellow sod turn green again?

But after you bring your trash can in, it only takes a few days back in the sunlight for the grass to green up again. Add some extra water to that spot and it will bounce back even faster." Of course, rolls of new sod experience more stress than a patch in an established lawn, so they need more water and more time.

What happens if sod does not root?

The Soil Wasn't Properly Prepared

Your new sod needs to establish its roots in the soil, to take advantage of the water and nutrients there. Leaving a layer of grass underneath your new sod prevents it from taking root and increases the chance that the new lawn will die from lack of nutrients and moisture.

Does it matter which direction you lay sod?

If new sod is properly installed, the direction will matter little. However, if laying the sod on a hill, installing it horizontally across the slope is recommended to prevent erosion. What is the best time of year to install sod?

Why do people put sand on sod?

Basically, the only reasons to apply a layer of soil or sand to a lawn are to fill in low areas or bare areas, as a method of dealing with an identified thatch problem or possibly to cover surface tree roots. Topdressing your lawn with sand on a regular basis is not a recommended practice.

Is sand or dirt better for grass?

What is this? Sand: By far the most popular top dressing material for your lawn. It works best when your lawn is sandy or loamy. But even if you have clay soil, sand can improve the drainage and aeration of the lawn and improve the growth of the grass.