The Dos and Don'ts of Laying Sod: How To Avoid the Common Mistakes
As the cold winter weather of Calgary makes way for the warmer months, many homeowners strive to revitalize their lawns with a lush shade of green. Knowing how to lay sod properly is an essential landscaping project, especially if you want fast and beautiful results.
Just make sure you don’t fall into the common pitfalls. Take a look at these dos and don’ts to find the best way to lay sod.
Do: Choose the Right Type of Sod For Calgary’s Climate
Understand that Calgary suffers from droughts most often around mid-July to September. Homeowners in this region should look to drought resistant sod like Kentucky Blue Grass.
On top of climate, your choice of sod depends on factors like:
- The amount of sunlight your lawn receives in the day.
- Average temperatures in Calgary.
- How much time you have to dedicate to lawn maintenance.
We recommend consulting with the professionals for choosing an ideal sod type for your specific situation.
Don’t: Install Sod on Compacted Soil
Compacted soil poses a problem for new lawns, as the vegetation can’t grow roots properly and don’t have easy access to moisture, nutrients, and air. Take time to prepare the soil prior to sod installation.
Do: Water the Sod Immediately
It’s no secret that a new lawn loves water. Rejuvenate your new sod installation by watering immediately with about one inch of water.
Continue your
lawn maintenance routine by watering twice a day afterwards: once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
Don’t: Over-Fertilize the Lawn
It can be tempting to apply a ton of fertilizer right away, but you run the risk of “fertilizer burn,” an unsightly yellow or brown discoloration on your new grass caused by a buildup of mineral salts in the soil.
You do want to fertilize regularly; just don’t go overboard.
Do: Keep Foot Traffic Away From the New Sod
It’s time to invest in a “please don’t step on the grass” sign. New sod needs time to set up its root structure, a process that takes over two weeks at least. We recommend keeping foot and pet traffic away until then.
Do: Choose a Sod Specialist With Experience in Calgary Lawns
Sod installation in Calgary can sound like a daunting task at first. The region’s climate makes homeowners think heavily about their landscaping projects. But laying sod is thankfully easy with the right tips and practices in mind.
Make your home the envy of the neighborhood by choosing a Calgary sod installation from a certified specialist today.
Request a free quote from Scott’s Sod, Calgary’s premiere landscaping service provider.
