Sod Lawn Installation
Installing a sod lawn is a complex process that should be done by a team of experienced professionals who understand all the variables that need to be considered for success. After our expert sod installers arrive at your home, they will inspect your yard and make a plan for preparation and installation. Our sod lawn installation process involves:
- Removing old grass and weeds from the soil
- Amending the soil if necessary
- Grading the soil so it’s level and drains well
- Installing the sod with industry best practices
- Setting up irrigation or sprinklers to ensure the sod receives plenty of water
Fresh Sod Care
Regular lawns don’t require nearly as much maintenance as fresh sod lawns. Once our professionals install your new lawn, it should be watered properly and treated carefully for several weeks to ensure your new sod takes root in the ground beneath. Follow these tips to ensure your new sod lawn takes root properly:
- First Week – While you don’t want to overwater your new sod lawn, you don’t want to let it dry out. Watering it three to four times a day for five to ten minutes should be enough watering depending on your climate. Avoid watering it in the evening because any water remaining on the grass can promote disease and fungus. Don’t allow foot traffic on your new lawn for at least two weeks.
- Second Week – Water your lawn for 30 minutes every day, twice a day if necessary. Make sure the water gets to all areas of the lawn.
- Third Week & Beyond – Once you’ve hit the three-week mark, you can mow the lawn. Be sure to keep the mower deck high and never mow more than 1/3 the length of the grass blades.
- Six Weeks – To ensure your new sod remains healthy, you should fertilize your new sod three to four times during the growing season.
If you’re a homeowner investing in sod installation for your lawn, it’s essential to care for it in the weeks following your installation. Once your sod lawn is installed, the Grounds Guys of Wichita will provide lawn care tips and offer our professional lawn maintenance services to ensure the sod becomes established and looks great for years to come.
Benefits of Installing Sod
Sometimes homeowners have difficulty deciding between installing sod vs. planting grass seed to create a beautiful, green lawn. Some of the key benefits of having a team of lawn care professionals install your new sod lawn in Wichita include:
- You receive an instant lawn without having to wait months for grass seed to germinate and grow.
- Sod doesn’t wash away like grass seed. If your freshly laid grass seed is washed away from rain or sprinklers, you'll waste your investment and create bare spots in your yard.
- Sod will create a uniform look for your grass. Grass seed can create patchy areas that will later need to be filled in with additional grass seed.
- Sod is already established and only takes a couple of weeks to fully root into your yard.
- Installing sod keeps mud to a minimum. When planting grass seed, your yard will be muddy until the seed germinates, grows, thickens, and becomes well-established in the ground.
- Installing sod outperforms seeding in shaded areas where grass seed won’t germinate due to the lack of sunlight.
- Sod prevents soil erosion.
- Sod is grown by professional turfgrass farmers, giving your residential lawn a strong foundation for health.
- Seeding your yard creates a window for weeds to grow, while sod keeps out weeds much more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sod?
Sod, or turf, is a layer of grass and soil held together by roots. It is used to establish a lawn quickly and efficiently, without the need for seeding and waiting for grass to grow.
Why should I choose sod over seed?
- Sod offers many advantages over traditional seeding, including:
- You get an instant lush green lawn that is ready to use in just a few weeks.
- Sod is less prone to weeds compared to seeded lawns.
- Sod helps prevent soil erosion and can be installed on slopes and hillside areas.
- Unlike seeding, sod installation does not require frequent watering or maintenance, saving you time and effort.
How long will sod last on a pallet?
Sod may start to yellow quickly on a pallet in the heat. Sod should not be left on a pallet over two days in the hot days of summer. In the winter, sod is cut dormant and should last a couple of weeks.
How long does it take to install sod?
The installation process typically takes only a few hours for an average-sized lawn, depending on the size of your yard and any additional prep work that may be needed. Once we perform sod installation services, you can start using your new lawn in a few weeks.
How do I maintain my new sod lawn?
Proper watering is essential in the first few weeks after installation to help the sod establish its roots. After that, regular watering and mowing will keep your lawn healthy and looking its best. We also offer ongoing lawn and landscaping maintenance services to keep your lawn in top shape.
How long does it take for the sod to root?
Lawn sod installation should take root in about three to four weeks. We will assess your lawn to determine the amount of time for your specific sod to take root.
How much time does it take for sod lines to disappear?
As your sod takes hold and begins to grow, the seams will be less visible. It’s essential to water your sod properly. The sod pieces are like a sponge, so they shrink and expose more lines when dry. Your sod lines should completely disappear in about three weeks.
Will laying sod kill all my weeds?
Sod installation does help reduce weeds in your lawn, but it will not eliminate them. Weeds will begin to grow again, so it’s essential to get proper lawn maintenance services for weed control.
Can I install sod myself?
While it is possible to install sod yourself, we highly recommend hiring our service professional for the best results. Our team has the experience and equipment needed to ensure proper installation and maintain the longevity of your new lawn.
How much does sod installation cost?
The cost of sod installation varies depending on the size of your yard and any additional services you may need. Contact us for an estimate, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your budget.
Is it okay to walk on freshly laid sod?
We advise avoiding traffic on your new sod until it is completely rooted. This takes a few weeks. The best way to check if your sod is rooted is to pull the end of the piece of sod. If you feel any resistance, the roots have taken to the soil.
Is it okay to water new sod at night?
We do not recommend watering grass at night. If there is any water remaining on the grass, it can promote disease and fungus. We recommend watering in the morning and late afternoon.
Contact The Grounds Guys for Premier Sod Installation
Are you looking for a professional sod lawn installation service in your area? The Grounds Guys of Wichita are here to help. We’re licensed, certified, and thoroughly trained to meet all your lawn care needs in Wichita, KS, and the surrounding areas, including Andover and El Dorado.
Whether you have an existing lawn that needs improvement or you're building a new home, our experts can provide lawn care solutions customized to your property's needs and preferences. To find out more about our residential sod grass installation services, contact our team today to request a free job estimate.