KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – REDO YOUR LAWN QUICKLY WITH SOD

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – REDO YOUR LAWN QUICKLY WITH SOD

If you are going to spend the money for sod it’s a good idea to give it the best chance to take and grow into a beautiful lawn. I’ve seen too many homeowners put in sod and not care for it properly. Sod is costly and a complete waste of money if you don’t take care of it.

Start out by preparing the base for the sod. Make sure you remove all the old grass. There is a tool called a sod cutter that will remove all the grass and weeds. Improve the soil by adding topsoil sand and compost. Sand will help break down the clay-like soil often found around Chicago. Rake this all together making sure to go down at least three inches so the roots from the sod will have an easy time reaching and anchoring.

Lay down the strips of sod as closely together as possible. You don’t want any air getting in between the strips and drying out the sod. Dried out sod is soon to be dead sod. Add topsoil around the perimeter.

The most important job next is water. Water the sod thoroughly for the next two days. Two inches of water at least. Check under a strip to make sure the soil underneath is completely saturated. If not keep watering. Moist base soil will encourage the sod roots to grow and anchor into the base soil.

After the second day of watering it’s time to roll. Sod rollers have come a long way from the huge concrete rollers of the past. Newer models have wheels that are filled with water to make moving them easier as well as storage. Pay special attention to the seams. Try to borrow a sod roller from a neighbor or friend. I’m sure they are also available for rent.

Keep watering the sod every other day for at least two weeks. After two weeks it’s time to mow. It might not look like it needs it but it will tend to grow unevenly at first. Even it out remembering never to cut shorter than three inches. Leave it even longer if it’s very hot. Keep watering as you would do any lawn one inch per week.

Sod is an investment in money AND time. Realize it is a job whether you are just replacing a part of the lawn or the whole thing. Give sod a good start and it will be beautiful for many years to come.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO