SOD vs. SEEDING
Sod & Seeding
Step 1: Prepare the area by removing all unwanted plants, grass, debris, etc. Rough grade for desired results such as slopes, level areas, and drainage.
Just getting started
Time to clean up
Sod & Seeding
Step 2: If you want to have an automatic sprinkler (irrigation) system, this should be installed before the sod is laid or the seed is sown. It's important that the system is installed according to code and with the appropriate number of zones to get the best coverage.
This is 3 valve manifold setup
Sod
Step 3: Amendments are added that will help the sod develop a deep root system and help the sod grow well while it is getting established.
Seeding
Step 3: Amendments are added that will help the seed germinate and develop a deep root system.
Make sure to level the soil after the amendments are added
Sod & Seeding
Step 4: Ground is rototilled 6"- 8" deep to thoroughly mix ammendments with existing soil. Area is raked, graded, and rolled to remove air pockets and reduce future setteling.
Sod
Step 5: Lay the rolls of sod with a brick pattern and place the rolls tightly so that the rolls fit together like a puzzle. Roll again to ensure good contact with the soil.
Seeding
Step 5: Light rake to loosen soil, sow seed by hand or broadcast spreader, lightly rake with the tines up in a herringbone pattern, roll again and top dress with 1/8" peatmoss( if desired). As you can see in the picture above, the yard has been seeded, but the lawn will not be seen for at least a couple of weeks.
Although this is an older picture you can see the the sod comes in strips and just like laying brick, fitted so that the grass has a nice pattern with no gaps in between. In the pictures below you can see what the finished product should look like
Sod
Step 6: Set up an irrigation program that will keep the sod moist. The area should not be walked on for 2 weeks to keep the area from developing "divits" before being well established.
Seeding
Step 6: Set up an irrigation program that will keep the soil moist. The area should not be walked on for 2 to 4 weeks to keep the area from developing "divits" and allow new grass to become well established.
Step 7: Enjoy your lawn!
In these last two images you can see the xeriscape plants that were planted in the raised flower bed we built. Adding a nice background to the newly sodded lawn. Sod is usually very lush and green giving you an instant lawn. The customer can enjoy his yard from the back patio outside the back door!
