Laying Sod Series: Checking the Quality of Sod
Saving a lot of money by laying your own sod requires knowing how to inspect the quality of the sod before placing it. The quality of the sod you choose will have a significant impact on how well your project turns out, but sadly, most sod is rather unhealthy and not conducive to a lush, green lawn. Here are some telltale signals that indicate whether you are viewing quality sod or not.
Fall is one of the best times to install sod as the temperatures are cooler with damp dewy mornings and occasional rain which helps sod take root. We're breaking down how to lay sod in this step-by-step guide for DIY sod installation.
I. Signs that you have bad sod
1. Growth of Fungi
If you see fungus growing on your lawn, it is one of the first indications that your sod is of low quality. This may manifest as a moss-like layer that is often orange in colour or even as tiny mushrooms that start to grow. |
2. Nothing But soil is in your sodIf your sod is formed wholly or virtually entirely of dirt, that is another warning indicator. By taking a handful of sod and sifting it through your fingers, you can quickly verify this. |
3. Dying and Dead GrassMost likely, when you envision the "perfect lawn," you see one that is thick, green, and healthy. Unfortunately, diseased sod cannot produce that kind of grass. |
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4. Grass Growth
Another sign of damaged sod is the presence of weeds in your lawn, particularly if you are having trouble getting rid of them. |
II. What to consider when checking the quality of sod
1. ConsistencyYou must consider how much of the sod is soil when discussing the soil's consistency. There should be no more than an inch of dirt covering the sod you are ordering. More dirt puts too much of a barrier between the roots of the grass and the soil in your yard. If you have less soil, the grass won't be able to maintain itself until it has completely grown in and its roots have had time to penetrate the earth under the sod. |
2. FertilizationVerify that the sod you are considering has received the appropriate fertilisation. Your sod will be more resistant to disease and drought if you fertilise it properly. Additionally, fertiliser affects the colour of your grass and aids in its recovery from stress, such as that caused by being uprooted and moved. You will be one step closer to having a happy, healthy, green lawn with properly fertilised sod. |
3. MaturityA need for high-quality sod should be mature grass. You absolutely do not want sod that has grass that is still establishing itself in the earth. So what does being mature entail in terms of sod. What qualifies something as mature? It will be simpler to determine its maturity if certain characteristics, such as how thick it is or the regularity of the colour, are present. |
4. Time of HarvestFrom the moment the sod is cut at the sod farm until the time it is replanted, there is a roughly 8-hour window to work within. The sod begins to get strained from all the moisture loss if it is not replanted within that time frame. |
GET GUIDANCE
If you notice any of these warning signs in your own sod, or if you just want to give your lawn a fresh start, you will be glad to know that Rockland provides great sod, soil and needed material. For additional information, call 780-239-7625, email sales@rocklandsupllies.com, or fill out our contact form.
Call our landscaping yards in South Edmonton or St. Albert to start your project now, or browse our “Rooms by Design” for ideas.
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