by Sod is stacked or rolled and shipped, and when you install sod you should be ready as soon as possible once it is in your possession. There are a wide variety of grass types, from Bermuda to St Augustine, and Centipede to Zoysia. Your choice will be totally dependent on your climate.
St Augustine has a medium to high need for water as its resistance to drought is low to medium. Zoysia, however, tolerates heat extremely well, can handle short periods of drought while remaining green, and not only does it have a great shape, but it wears well, too. Centipede grass grows well in full sun and can adapt to tropical climates. It has a slower growth pattern, so it doesn’t withstand heavy wear and tear. Bermuda grass wears extremely well and can withstand heavy wear and traffic. It also recovers quickly from wear and tear, and can resist serious heat. You can learn more about what type could be right for you here.
Installation & Watering
Before sod can be installed, the ground needs to be prepared. The soil should be broken up and loosened, then leveled with a rake. You’ll need to account for the sod’s thickness, so soil should be leveled to three quarters of an inch below driveways, curbs, and walkways.
When the sod is being installed it’s important that every edge is firmly butted together, and that each corner is flush. If you overlap edges the turf will be uneven, which can make it difficult for it to take root. Once it is installed the sod may look as though it’s different colors in places. Don’t worry, it will vary due to how it was stacked and stored, it should even out after a few days of watering it regularly.
It should be watered as soon as it has been installed, and over the first 7 to 10 days you’ll need to pay particular attention to it. You should be watering it just enough to prevent it from drying out. After those initial days, it should get an inch of water every week.
Generally, a healthy watering once a week is healthier than a light watering on a daily basis. Once your lawn has taken root and is established, the morning hours are the prime time for watering.
On the 10th day, you should allow the lawn time to dry out so that you can mow it. It’s important that you have a quality mower and that you mow the lawn carefully. How often you mow your lawn thereafter will depend on the weather. Though, typical advice suggests that you may need to mow the lawn every week, even twice a week, during spring and fall months.
Once your sod has taken root, contact Xtreme Turf. We service the Daphne, Fairhope, Mobile, and Spanish Fort areas of Alabama, and can help you with your fertilization needs, ensuring weeds are kept under control.
