How To Prepare For Sod Installation

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Preparing to Install Sod

Soil Preparation

The nigh important (and nearly labor intensive) part of a successful planting is proper soil preparation. Follow the steps beneath to ensure you give your backyard a foundation to abound on!

Impale existing vegetation

Kill existing grass to prevent weeds

If you are replacing an old damaged backyard or a patch of weeds, it is best to impale what is growing there to reduce competition with the new grass. Use a glyphosate weed killer that kills the entire found (including the roots).

Make certain to article of clothing advisable safety equipment (check the label of the chemical you utilise)
Cheque the conditions; do not apply chemical on especially hot or windy days
You lot want to coat the entire leaf of each weed, but not so much that chemic is dripping off
Some especially resilient weeds will demand a 2d application a week later to fully kill
Afterwards, wait several days for the weeds to die before proceeding to the next step. This ensures that the chemic makes it down to the roots of the found and completely kills information technology

Till the soil using a shovel or rototiller

Till the area to be sodded

Information technology is important to loosen the soil before planting new sod because information technology reduces compaction and makes it easier for the roots to grow into the soil. Also, the loose soil will hold moisture better, reducing the corporeality yous accept to h2o.

Dig down as deep as possible (3-4 inches is recommended)
Go over the area multiple times to break up any big clumps.
If the soil is peculiarly hard, information technology may be helpful to water it the day prior which will brand earthworks easier

Rake smoothen and remove debris

If you had an existing lawn or weeds, chances are some expressionless vegetation was left behind past the rototiller. Y'all will want to remove this so that it doesn't create an air pocket that will permit the sod to dry out.

Employ a metal rake to rake abroad any debris
Level the soil as smooth as possible. Your new backyard with follow any grade you create in this stride
Spread additional topsoil as needed to improve the soil or alter the form

Apply a starter fertilizer

Fertilize the soil prior to installing sod

Your new lawn will require a lot of nutrients to develop its new root system. Utilise starter fertilizer on the clay before installing the sod

Make sure to wear advisable safety equipment (check the label of the fertilizer you apply)
Using a hand or walk backside spreader, employ a starter fertilizer according to bag directions
It's best to make several light passes with the spreader as opposed to a single heavy laissez passer. This make the awarding more uniform and prevents over-awarding.
Be sure to sweep off any fertilizer that lands on sidewalks or impervious surfaces. This will reduce nutrient runoff and is better for the surroundings.