If you're tired of battling weeds, burrs, and sick grass, then it may be time to dig out your old lawn and put down new sod. Installing sod allows you to start your lawn over from scratch, and when you're done, you'll enjoy lush grass without having to wait for it to grow from seed. Here are some things to know.
Prepping The Soil Is An Important Step
If your lawn has problems now, then one way to overcome them is to start with healthy soil. All old growth has to be removed down to the roots. You can do this manually with a hoe or you can use a sod cutter, which makes the job go a lot faster. Once all the weeds and grass are gone, then it's time to break up the soil and get rid of rocks and other debris. Running a tiller over the soil is a good way to mix it up and add in soil treatments. If your grass isn't healthy, you may need to add nutrients to the soil. Have your soil tested so you know what you need to buy and add before you put down the sod.
Buying Fresh Sod Is Vital
It's also important to buy sod that's freshly cut. Once sod is cut into squares or rolls, it starts to die. You need to get in on the ground quickly so it can soak up water and nutrients to keep it alive. Coordinate the delivery of the sod with your schedule so you can install it yourself or have it installed the same day. In addition to buying fresh grass, you should choose a type of grass that matches your soil and shade conditions. Your local sod dealer will only sell grass that's suitable for your climate, but you may need to further refine your choice depending on your property. If you buy enough sod to cover your entire yard, then you can have it delivered. If you only buy a small amount to patch up bare spots, you'll probably have to pick it up yourself.
Fertilizing And Watering Properly Is Essential
Once your sod is in place, you want to take care of it well so your yard transforms into a lush expanse of lawn and doesn't turn into a weed patch again. This requires adequate water, fertilizing on schedule, and the proper use of weed killers. Keeping the grass healthy is one way to crowd out weeds, so in addition to fertilizing and watering, cut the grass with a sharp blade to prevent injury that leads to disease.
For more information on purchasing sod for your yard, contact a company such as Pro-Grass.