Sod is a great tool to bring your client’s lawn to life instantly. It can be used to repair a small area of lawn or more expansive projects like golf courses or athletic fields. Reviving worn-out turf can often be time-consuming, costly, and unreliable. Sod is an excellent addition for a high-impact, healthy lawn.

Planning and Preparation

The first step in any project is to do a site evaluation. Take note of the soil quality and drainage then measure the area to determine the amount of sod needed.

Next, it’s important to prepare the soil. This should be done by removing the existing grass and weeds, and then tilling the soil between 3-6 inches. If you are dealing with poor soil quality, uneven ground, or poor drainage add topsoil and soil amendments as needed. Once this is all completed, you can move on to the next part of the preparation: picking the right sod.

• Cool-Season Sod is best for cooler climates, between 60-75 °F during growing season. Some examples of this include Kentucky bluegrass and Fescue.
   
• Warm-Season Sod is best for higher temperatures ranging from 80-95 °F during growing season. Some types of warm-season sod include Bermuda grass, St Augustine grass, Zoysia grass, and Centipede grass.

If you have any questions on which sod to pick, one of our branch associates can help guide you to select the best option for your project.

The final step of the planning process is to order your sod. Click the following link to get access to our deals on sod: SiteOne Sod Offers.

Installation Steps

1. The installation process is critically important. As you begin to lay sod, start with the straight edges. Stagger your customer’s sod as if you were laying bricks, and ensure seams are tight with no gaps or overlaps.
    
2. Next, it’s important to roll the sod with a proper sod roller. The best technique is to roll each area slowly and gently once. Over-rolling can damage the sod. It also helps to dampen the soil a little, allowing the sod to better adhere to the soil. Any of our branch associates can help guide you in picking out the best roller for your customer’s sod. 
    
3. After rolling, water your sod immediately but be careful not to overwater. It is best to avoid stepping on the sod until it has rooted. Wait 2-3 weeks before mowing.

Environmental Benefits

Using sod offers several environmental benefits including soil erosion prevention. Prioritizing stormwater drainage is an important task in any project, using sod is an eco-friendly component for managing stormwater effectively. By providing immediate ground cover, it stabilizes the soil, reducing runoff during heavy storms. 

Sod improves air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. It also acts as a filter, trapping dust and other pollutants.

Sod requires less water than growing from seed to maintain a healthy turf. Not only does it establish quicker, but it also retains more moisture, resulting in conserving valuable water resources. 

Long Term Care

For a vibrant, long-lasting lawn, it’s important to review the essentials of long-term sod care. Regular maintenance can also help garner trust with clients, leading to more business and referrals in the future.

• Following a regular fertilization schedule is important after the initial establishment period. This typically is around 4-6 weeks after laying the sod.
   
• It’s also essential to monitor for pests and weeds. If necessary to use control products, use them sparingly. Overusing controls can damage the new sod.
   
• Regularly mow the sod, always being sure to not remove more than 1/3 of the grass length.
   
• Aerate the lawn to promote healthy root growth and enhance overall lawn health.  

Trim Your Path to Success at SiteOne

Discover everything you need for sod maintenance at SiteOne. For further details and relevant products visit us here. Shop in-branch, online, or on our SiteOne mobile app.