Sod, also known as turf, is pre-grown grass that is harvested in rolls or squares with a thin layer of soil and roots attached. It’s essentially an instant lawn, allowing you to establish a mature-looking lawn much faster than seeding.

Sod offers several advantages over seeding:

• Instant Lawn: Provides immediate aesthetic appeal and erosion control.
• Faster Establishment: Roots typically establish within 2-3 weeks, compared to months for seed.
• Fewer Weeds: A dense sod mat helps suppress weed growth.
• Less Erosion: Protects soil from washing away, especially on slopes.
• Versatility: Can be installed almost any time of year, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.

While often more expensive upfront, the benefits in time and effort can make it a worthwhile investment.

Proper soil preparation is crucial for sod success:

1. Clear the Area: Remove all existing grass, weeds, rocks, and debris.
2. Grade the Soil: Ensure proper drainage by creating a slight slope away from structures. Level the area to avoid bumps and depressions.
3. Improve Soil Quality: Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with organic matter (e.g., compost) to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
4. Till: Loosen the top 4-6 inches of soil.
5. Fertilize: Apply a starter fertilizer (low nitrogen, high phosphorus) to encourage root growth.
6. Roll & Rake: Lightly roll the area to settle the soil, then rake smooth.

Sod is a living product and should be installed as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of delivery, especially in warm weather. If it cannot be laid immediately, keep it in a cool, shaded area and lightly mist it to prevent drying out. The longer sod sits rolled up, the more it can dry out or develop heat damage.

New sod requires frequent and thorough watering to establish roots. For the first 2-3 weeks:

• Daily (or more): Water deeply enough to moisten the sod and the top 4-6 inches of soil beneath it. You might need to water 2-3 times a day in hot, dry weather.
• Consistency is Key: Do not let the sod dry out. Lift a corner to check if the soil beneath is moist.
• Reduce Gradually: After initial establishment, gradually reduce watering frequency but increase the volume to encourage deeper root growth.

Our Watering Calculator can help you estimate ongoing watering needs once your sod is established.

Be gentle with new sod during its establishment phase:

• Walking: Avoid heavy foot traffic for at least 2-3 weeks, or until the sod has firmly rooted to the soil beneath. You can test by gently lifting a corner; if it resists, it’s rooting.
• Mowing: Wait until the sod is firmly rooted, typically 2-3 weeks. Set your mower to its highest setting for the first few cuts to avoid stressing the new grass. Ensure the ground is dry before mowing.

A “waste factor” is an additional percentage of sod you order beyond the exact measured area. It’s crucial because:

• Cuts and Trims: Sod rolls need to be cut to fit edges, curves, and obstacles, leading to small leftover pieces.
• Irregular Shapes: Complex lawn shapes will naturally result in more waste.
• Damage: Occasionally, a small portion of a roll might be damaged during transport or handling.

A typical waste factor is 5-10%. For very irregular areas, you might consider 10-15%. Our Sod Calculator allows you to easily incorporate this into your total sod needed.

Installing sod can be a DIY project for small to medium-sized, relatively flat areas. It requires careful soil preparation, physical labor, and immediate attention to watering. If you’re comfortable with these aspects, it’s definitely doable.

However, for large areas, complex landscapes, or if you prefer a hassle-free experience, hiring a professional landscaper is recommended. They have the equipment, experience, and crew to ensure a proper and efficient installation.