In preparing to sod a yard J.D.M. Landscaping
avoids the biggest mistake many people
make
in
sodding
their lawns: failing to prepare the soil
adequately. Results will be best, particularly
over the long haul, when soil is prepared
for sodding the same way it is for seeding.
It's one chance to get the job done right.
Once sod is in place, any opportunity to
improve the soil significantly is gone
for good.
Soil must be worked up, fertilizer containing
both phosphorous and potassium added (if
they are indicated by a soil test), and
the whole thing leveled and raked smooth.
Nitrogen can be raked into the surface
or added after sod is laid; it's the only
one of the three major plant nutrients
that dissolves readily in water, moving
easily into the root zone.
If it's necessary to bring in good soil
to augment the yard's current composition
we bring in good top soil and rototill
it into the upper part of the existing
soil. This is particularly important if
your soil is sandy, or Houston's famous "gumbo."
J.D.M. Landscaping suggests watering newly
laid sod regularly, as often as two or
three
times
daily if
it's really hot or windy. As it roots down
into the soil, gradually reduce the frequency
of watering but begin to water more heavily.
Eventually you'll be able to water thoroughly
once a week, maybe twice on sandy soil.
Mow the sod as if it were established
grass; just don't cut it too short. Grass
that is maintained a little to the tall
side (3 inches or so in summer) grows deeper
roots and will be less prone to disease
problems.
Once your lawn is established, it is easy
to keep it beautiful indefinitely. The
three essential steps to achieve a beautiful
healthy lawn, they are water, mow and fertilize,
by following these steps you can have a
beautiful, healthy lawn with minimal effort.
A thriving healthy lawn will keep weeds
out, eliminate disease, and have a beautiful
lush appearance.
If you have questions about sodding your
lawn, please contact
us at J.D.M. Landscaping. |
