It can be difficult to seed a lawn. Therefore, some property owners may choose an alternative route known as sodding. Sod is grass that's already been grown. It's then stripped and sold in rolls or squares. In the long run, a sod lawn will require less maintenance than one that has been seeded.

Timing

Timing is an important aspect in sodding one's lawn because installation depends on where you reside. For those living in a Northern climate, it's ideal to install sod in the early fall. This gives the sod a chance to become established before winter, encouraging it to grow in the spring. You can also plant sod in the early spring. However, since you're bringing sod out of dormancy, it's important to handle it carefully. If you reside in a Southern climate, it's best to install sod in the late spring and summer. This is because sod is out of dormancy and actively growing, meaning it's easily established during this time.

Buying

If possible, purchase sod that's been delivered to the garden center or home improvement store that day. If your sod is being delivered, try to have the sod cut and delivered on the day you're planning to install it. It's important to install sod the day you have it delivered because it's difficult for it to remain healthy for more than 24 hours.

Prepping

It's important to prep your lawn before installing sod. This means adding a two inch layer of compost to the area where you're laying the sod. Raking in the compost will help level the soil. Avoid using pre-emergent herbicide to the area when you're installing sod. Although it mostly affects sprouting seeds, pre-emergent herbicide can slow the root growth of the sod.

Laying the Sod

Since sod shrinks as it dries out, let the sod pieces slightly overlap. To properly lay sod, hold both ends of each piece together with the bottoms of each piece touching. You'll then push the pieces together and down. To shape around landscape beds and features, use a knife to cut extra pieces of sod. Tearing the sod is not recommended because it will cause your lawn to appear unkempt. Sod staples are only necessary if you're installing sod on a slope.

Caring for Sod after Installation

Once you've finished installing the sod, you will need to water it deeply for about 30 minutes. You'll then want to water it three to four times a day for about ten minutes. When watering, keep in mind that you don't want your sod to be overly soggy or dry. As the sod roots in, you can water it less. Refrain from walking on the sod for at least two to four weeks. This will allow enough time for the sod to establish itself. Over the next month, you'll want to fertilize the sod with a combination of weed and feed.

Although sod is relatively easy to maintain, installing it can be a complicated and costly process. Once it's installed, sod must be watered on a regular basis for several weeks. Since installation and watering are time-consuming tasks, many homeowners hire lawn care companies to install sod law