Should i fertilize before laying sod




















This makes the sod prone to drying out and dying. You should never lay sod on top of existing grass or without getting rid of weeds firs t. Not only that, but laying sod on top of existing grass raises the level of your yard by about 1 inch 2.

This can create drainage problems and lead to flooding. To prevent this:. By cutting out any existing grass, along with the roots and old topsoil, you allow sod to be laid on soil where it can take root. Once your old yard has been removed, scour the lawn for any stones, pieces of vegetation, or other debris. Grass grows best in soil that is clear or rocks and other obstacles. After cleanup, your yard should be free of any obstructions that could damage rototiller blades or become tangled in them.

Buy or rent a rototiller to break up the first 6 inches of topsoil. Grass roots typically go down about 6 inches when the grass is fully established. Hard soil prevents this, leading to weak grass with shallow roots. Sod that tries to root in hard earth is prone to death from drought or heat. Most soil benefits from tilling before you lay sod.

If your lawn has had regular fertilizer applications in the past, has a healthy pH balance, and is not compacted, then in some cases you can lay sod without tilling. However, when in doubt, till. At-home soil testing kits are inexpensive and a great way to find out what your lawn needs. Before you lay sod, test it to see if your soil is in the right condition to allow your new grass to grow. Sod laid on unhealthy soil will struggle to gather nutrients through its root system.

Apply lime or sulfur to rebalance pH. Additionally, use a broadcast spreader to apply a lawn starter fertilizer over the area where sod will be laid. By applying fertilizer and natural pH balancing ingredients to your lawn, you simultaneously provide nutrients to your soil and allow your sod to soak these nutrients up once it takes root.

Think of this step as providing future growing fuel for your sod. Use a rake, shovel, or box blade to level your yard. If your yard has low areas, fill these with additional topsoil. Preparing for sod gives you a chance to create the pristine yard of your dreams.

Use a lawn roller, box blade, or tamper to firm up the dirt. The soil will be loose enough for grass rooting, but firm enough that it will settle evenly. Stagger the joints between rows of sod as you would laying brick. Use a sharp knife to fit in corners, around trees and other obstacles.

After installation, water the entire lawn area to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Then, water the new sod three times each day for 15 minutes for 10 days to allow roots to establish. The sod must be kept moist at all times, whether it is waiting to be installed, laid down or already completed. Do not allow water to pool on the new sod.

If this occurs, reduce watering. Avoid watering at night. Keep the sod moist and allow the roots to firmly grow into the underlying soil for 10 days. You can then mow your new lawn safely. Set your mower height to ensure that you do not take off more than a third of the grass blade.

Use a grass catcher to keep clippings off the new sod. Stay off the newly sodded area for three weeks to allow good establishment. This prohibition includes keeping children and pets, especially large dogs, off the lawn so that the turf stays even and level. Lang Wood Updated December 15, Related Articles. How to Plant New St. Laying Sod Without Rototilling.



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