Peter Olson is a freelance writer specializing in landscaping, sod planting, sports turf and grass varieties. Hank Kerfoot and B. J. Haunert own and operate Modern Turf, the SE premier sod farm and turf experts. For more information about planting sod or having professional sod layers do the job for you, contact www.modernturf.com today.
One way to add value to your home and make it attractive to potential buyers is to have a beautiful lawn with plenty of curb appeal. A spotty, patchy lawn looks unkempt and can send the wrong message to buyers. Planting sod is a great way to immediately have a full, lush green lawn that sends a message of TLC to everyone who sees it.
Planting sod takes a bit of consideration and planning. Whether you will be planting sod on your own or hiring professionals to do it for you, you should research the type of grass you choose and make sure the preparation is done properly.
Planting sod is like painting- the quality of the job and the end result is determined by the prep work. Sod will root much deeper and grow much quicker when the underlying soil is fully prepared ahead of time. Solid, beautiful turf needs four things to thrive- sunlight, air, nutrients and water. Before planting sod, make sure your soil is nutrient rich and ready for the type of grass being laid. In order to properly analyze your soil, you need test the pH of your soil. If your soil is too acidic, it needs lime to balance it out. Alkaline soil needs the addition of sulfur or gypsum. To determine the appropriate level of additives to your soil, consult a sod expert or a garden professional.
Tilling the ground to a depth of at least two inches before adding your topsoil is critical for future weed control, as well as aerating the soil and preparing it properly for the new sod. Your soil may need the addition of topsoil in order to give the sod the strongest foundation to take root. Tilling the soil is the best way to allow for proper mixing between the new topsoil and the existing subsoil. Tilling should include incorporation of any new topsoil, sand or compost and lime. Additional nutrients should be applied prior to laying sod and lightly raked into the tilled soil. Consulting a sod expert is the best way to ensure you will have the best prepared soil for your newly planted sod.
These steps help you prepare your ground for planting sod. By taking the time to make sure the ground is in the best possible condition before you begin planting sod, you have the best opportunity of increasing your home’s value with a great looking lawn.
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