Laying Sod: What Not to Do

Sod offers you an excellent way to jumpstart a new lawn, but it’s important to install it correctly to obtain a lush yard of thriving turf grass. If you’re getting ready for sod installation in Sunnyvale, TX, then continue reading for tips on what not to do when laying sod.

Don’t Overlap Rolls

Because they want to minimize the appearance of seams in their grass, some homeowners choose to overlap rolls of sod during the installation process. Unfortunately, this approach can lead to a lumpy, uneven lawn. When laying sod, cut rolls so that the ends push against each other, and then tuck down the edges to prevent them from drying out and creating visible seams.

Don’t Work from One Side

When laying sod, it’s often best to start at the edges and make your way inward. However, you want to avoid working from only one side of your yard, which will cause the sod rolls to end in a straight line. Instead, start along a good guideline, such as a garage or driveway, and then alternate the rolls from the right and left so they are staggered.

Don’t Forget to Water

Underwatering their lawn is among the most common mistakes that people make after installing sod. Giving your turf grass plenty of moisture helps the soil settle and ensures that the roots get the moisture that they need. In the first week, aim to water your lawn at least once a day, ideally in the morning. In the second week, cut it back to once every other day and then continue to taper it off.

Don’t Mow Too Early

Now that your turf grass is growing and putting roots into the ground, you may be eager to give it a trim. However, when it comes to providing sod with a healthy start, it’s important not to mow too early. To give your new lawn plenty of time to establish a healthy root system, wait for 2 to 3 weeks before you mow, and only cut off 1/3 of the blade length at any one time.