Laying sod might seem like a straightforward job, but a lot can go wrong if you’re not careful.
At Cisneros Garden Services INC, with 15+ years of experience, we have realized the most common sod-laying mistakes that homeowners make that lead to patchy, weak, or even dead lawns. So, don’t worry; we’ll help you avoid these common mistakes.
In this blog, you will discover the top 8 sod laying mistakes to avoid when you can mow new sod, how long after installing sod you can walk on in, when new sod should be fertilized, and more tips to ensure your new lawn comes out green, healthy and ready for backyard BBQs.
Let’s dive in!
One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping or skimping on soil preparation. Laying sod on poor or compacted soil can prevent it from taking root, which means your lawn won’t thrive.
Remove debris and weeds: Clear the area of rocks, old roots, and weeds.
Loosen the soil: Use a tiller to loosen up the top 6-8 inches of soil. This will help the roots establish better.
Level it out: Ensure the soil is even to avoid water pooling in certain areas.
Add compost or fertilizer: Improve the soil’s quality by mixing in organic compost or a starter fertilizer. This will give your sod a nutritious foundation.
Sod is a living thing, and the clock starts ticking the moment it’s cut. If sod sits around too long before being laid, it’ll start drying out and may not take root effectively.
Plan: Have your soil prepared before the sod arrives so you can start laying it down immediately.
Work in manageable sections: If you’re covering a large area, work in smaller sections, laying and watering the sod as you go.
Keep it moist: If any sod does need to sit for a bit, keep it damp by lightly misting it with water.
Watering sod is tricky. Too little, and it’ll dry out; too much, and it could drown or develop fungus. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes new sod installers make.
Water immediately after installation: Give the sod a good soaking right after it’s laid to help the roots settle.
Water deeply but not too frequently: During the first couple of weeks, water deeply daily to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Adjust as needed: As soon as you notice that the sod begins to root, you immediately need to reduce the frequency of watering while maintaining adequate moisture. After the initial few weeks, watering 2-3 times per week is sufficient.
After installing new sod, the soil and roots are still very fragile. Walking on it too soon can disrupt the sod’s ability to establish itself, leaving you with uneven patches.
Ideally, you should wait at least two to three weeks before walking on new sod. This waiting period allows the roots to start growing into the soil. Avoid heavy foot traffic until the grass feels securely rooted.
We get it—you’re excited to see your new lawn in action! But mowing too early is a rookie mistake that can damage your sod before it has time to establish itself.
Wait until the grass reaches about 3 to 4 inches in height, typically around three weeks after installation. Mow on a higher setting to avoid scalping the new grass, and always ensure your mower blades are sharp to get a clean cut.
New sod needs the proper nutrients to thrive, but fertilizing it too soon or with the wrong fertilizer can do more harm than if no action had been taken at all.
A starter fertilizer should be applied before laying the sod to give the soil a nutrient boost.
After installation, wait about 4-6 weeks before applying a regular lawn fertilizer. This will give the roots enough time to establish without overwhelming them with nutrients. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the fertilizer package to avoid over-fertilizing.
One often-overlooked step in sod installation is rolling. Using a lawn roller helps the sod make better contact with the soil, encouraging stronger root growth.
Use a lawn roller: After laying the sod, lightly roll over it to press the roots into the soil. You can rent a roller from most garden centers if you don’t have one.
Don’t skip this step: Rolling might seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for ensuring your sod gets a good start.
Sod pieces should fit together snugly, with no gaps or overlapping. Uneven seams or gaps between sod pieces can dry out, causing dead patches in your lawn.
Stagger the seams: Similar to laying bricks, stagger the sod pieces to avoid creating long, continuous seams.
Press edges together: Make sure each piece of sod is tightly pressed against the next. If you need to trim pieces to fit, use a sharp knife for clean edges.
Laying sod is a fantastic way to get an instant green lawn, but it does require some attention to detail to avoid common mistakes. Proper soil prep, careful watering, and patience with mowing and fertilizing will make all the difference in creating a lush, vibrant lawn. Following these tips and avoiding common sod-laying mistakes will give your new grass the best chance to take root and thrive.
And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, Contact Cisneros Garden Services INC! With over 20 years of experience, we know what it takes to turn a patchy lawn into a perfect one.
