They always say that the grass is not greener on the other side but who are they and what if it is? If you’ve strolled around your neighborhood you’ve seen “that” yard. You know.. the one that everyone envies because it is luscious and green. You’ve probably asked yourself, how did they manage to make their yard look so perfect? The answer probably is… sod. Surprised? Let’s discuss the advantages of a sodded lawn and how you can become the neighbor with “that” lawn…
The Low Down on Sod
Sod is a grass and soil bonded together using its natural root system or a biodegradable mesh. Sod farms harvest it every ten to eighteen months after it has been planted as a seed. Some sod companies sell sod in a rolled rectangle while others distribute it in the form of a square slab. This is the quickest and simplest way to achieve an established lawn making it a popular choice for homeowners all around.
Popular Types of Sod…
- Bella Bluegrass – Considered a dwarf plant, bella bluegrass requires less mowing and is resistant to drought. You can also expect it to grow well in poor soil.
- Bermuda Grass – popular in the southeastern part of the US, bermuda grass is adaptable to many climate types. Its slow growth makes it easy to maintain, if your busy life doesn’t allow much time for lawn care.
- Centipede Grass – found primarily in Florida, centipede grass was brought to the US from southeastern Asia in the early 1900s. While it looks rather coarse, it maintains its color well into the fall and will begin to green early in the spring. Providing you with a green lawn for most of the year.
- St. Augustine – available only as sod, st.augustine was developed by the University of Florida. It is pest resistant and can thrive in shady areas, it also is easy to maintain. However, it does not grow well in cold temperatures.
Benefits of Sod
Starting your grass from seed can be complicated. When comparing seeding your lawn with sodding, you will find there are several advantages you may have never thought about.
#1: Lawn in an instant.
Having a usable lawn in a day– well that’s a no brainer. When growing from seed, you can expect it to take 6-18 months before your grass really begins to grow enough to be lived on. While you wait, you will be stuck with an unattractive, bare yard. Sodding provides you with a picture perfect lawn immediately and only takes two weeks before it has established itself. For most yards, it can be installed in less than a day. And as long as the ground is not frozen, you can have your sod installed any time of the year.
#2: It requires less irrigation.
Seeded lawns must be watered four times a day to keep the soil moist enough for seed germination which can take up to 3 weeks. In comparison, sod only needs to be watered two times a day once it’s planted– save yourself half the time and water with sod.
#3: Helps prevent soil erosion.
Sod has the ability to control mud, dust, and erosion. How? It is already fully grown upon install. This allows homeowners to install it anywhere, even on steep hills. your yard gets muddy after every rain, sod can help.
#4: It is professionally grown.
Sod is grown by professionals from the seed. With years of experience, you can trust that they have the proper techniques to produce a superior sod that is both healthy and green.
#5: Sod helps reduce heat.
Surfaces like asphalt, concrete, artificial turf, and bare soil give off heat. Sod can absorb this heat. This is particularly important in regions that experience extremely hot temperatures. As the temperatures rise and summer records are set, a lawn will be approximately 30 degrees cooler than asphalt or other stone surfaces. It is also 15 degrees cooler than bare soil. In addition to heat reduction, sod has the ability to reduce greenhouse gasses by absorbing carbon dioxide and produces oxygen while cooling the air.
#6: It adds value.
Having a luscious, green lawn is sure to add value to your property which can be extra important if you are planning to sell your home. Well-landscaped lawns can add up to 20% more value to our home. The outside is just as important to the inside when it comes to sealing the deal. Having a softer lawn will appeal to families as they can rest assured their children and pets have a soft, safe place to roam. Sod also helps to muffle the sound of loud noises helping you create a perfect retreat.
Maintaining Your New Yard
First, it is important to prepare the soil beneath your sod as this is the only way it can grow .It is important that you make sure your soil has plenty of nutrients and is free of toxins and/or contaminants. Sod that is harvested and installed on the same day sees the best growing results. Upon installation, your sod will require some maintenance to keep it alive and well. Maintaining newly sodded lawns is easier than keeping up with growing seedlings that require more care and attention. Your new sod must stay saturated with water for the first few days. It has to stay moist to grow properly. The roots on the sod work to attach themselves to the soil, once it has rooted itself you will be able to only provide an inch of water a week. You should avoid walking on the sod as it establishes itself to keep from interfering with its root development.
Dealing with Pests
Unfortunately, new sod is more vulnerable to be infested with fungi and insects. Should you begin to notice discoloration, try to use an organic fungicide to get rid of the disease. Insects and other pests can be really harmful to sod. If you believe you have an insect problem, check under the sod for white grubs. The earlier you are able to get to the problem, the better.
The Envy of the Neighborhood
At this point, you are well aware of the advantages of sodding your lawn instead of seeding it. With its quick and easy installation, you will be able to have the luscious lawn of your dreams in no time. You can also prevent your soil from eroding and save a little money on your water bill. So if you are done dealing a a muddy yard or browning grass and are looking for a quick way to wow your neighbors, installing sod is a great idea.
Contact us (513) 550-7782 for more information -or- to setup an free consultation!
—
About D2 Landscaping & Outdoor
D2 Landscaping is one of the fastest-growing landscaping company in the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area. We are a local and family-owned landscaping company offering a variety of landscape services, from new installations and complete renovations, to simple improvements. Whether you want to add a few trees and shrubs to compliment your existing landscape, or a complete makeover with outdoor living areas, our team can transform your outdoor dreams into reality. We pride ourselves in offering timely and professional services with highly trained personnel. We use superior advanced products along with precise installation techniques to guarantee your perfect vision. Our high level of standards continue to produce the best quality product resulting in glowing client testimonials, referrals, and customer loyalty.
>> Learn More