The advent of spring with its warmer temperatures gives rise to the traditional start of home improvement season. It is the perfect time to assess what projects you would like to accomplish by the summer months.
If installing a new turf grass lawn is on your project list, late spring or early summer is the optimal season for laying sod. Depending on where you live, St Augustine sod for sale in Jacksonville FL is a very popular turf option.
St. Augustine grass is one of the more widely used lawn grasses in the South, especially in the warm coastal areas of Florida and the Gulf states. Its popularity is based largely on its ability to tolerate the heat and humidity found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the United States. St. Augustine sod is characterized by a high density that takes root quickly and easily while crowding out most other grasses and weeds and a toleration for salt which makes it a great choice for ocean-facing yards.
No matter which turf grass you choose, here are some tips for installing a new sod lawn.
Calculate the Lawn Area
The first step is to measure the area that needs turf. The measurements can then be used to calculate the square footage of new sod you will need. Special care should be taken when doing the area calculation if your lawn is an odd shape that is neither a true square nor a rectangle.
Prepare the Underlying Soil
You can use a rototiller or a spade to turn the soil over down to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Once tilled, you should remove any obvious impediments (rocks, roots, etc.) and also bust up any large clods of dirt.
Grade and Water the Surface
The tilled area should then be graded and leveled out with a rake, thereby making the soil as smooth as possible before receiving the new sod. The goal is to create an even, firm surface. You should liberally water the area the night before the new sod is installed.
Sod Installation
You should install the new sod immediately upon delivery. Do not overlap or leave gaps when rolling out the turf. Stagger the seams as the turf is unrolled so that they do not all line up. You can use a cutting tool to trim around bushes, trees, sidewalks, and other objects.
Roll the New Lawn
Once installed, you should use a roller on the newly laid sod to ensure good contact with the pre-existing soil. Then water the entire lawn again.
Following these tips should help make installing your new sod a snap.