Sod Installation & Care: DIY Vs Professional Landscaping Services
The decision to hire professional landscaping services in Minnesota or DIY installation of a new sod lawn typically depends on personal needs.
In addition to this, there are a few factors you need to consider when making the decision.
- Time
Installing a new sod lawn takes time and depends on the site preparation. You need to have the expertise and skills to prepare the ground and install the sod quickly. Otherwise, it may die before the roots are established.
- Physical Labour
New sod installation involves moving large amounts of soil, spreading it across the site, using fertilizer, and laying sod rolls. It is difficult and time-consuming. Even small projects can seem overwhelming without professional help.
- Materials and Equipment
Most homeowners do not have the necessary tools and equipment, such as sod rollers, tillers, fertilizer spreaders, and more required for sod installation. If you are considering DIY, you may need to purchase a few of them, which adds to the project’s overall cost.
- Cost
Although DIY sod installation in Minnesota can reduce the upfront costs of professional labor, it increases the expenses in terms of renting or purchasing tools. Also, it requires additional time for sourcing materials, equipment, and installing the new lawn.
However, if you hire professionals, they can complete it on time and within your budget. Typically, they offer a warranty or guarantee and will fix any problems that may arise within a specific period.
Also Read: Best Tips for Hiring a Minnesota Commercial Landscape Maintenance Company
Advantages of Hiring Professionals for Sod Installation
A professional crew has well-trained experts who have the expertise to move through each stage of new sod installation with practiced efficiency.
They will arrive on-site equipped with the essential equipment, tools, and materials required to complete the job in the best possible way.
This way, you will be assured of a beautiful, lush lawn without any hassles.
Professional Sod Removal & Replacement Services
Most landscaping companies offer sod replacement and removal services along with new sod installation. You may require their assistance in the following cases:
- Grub Infestations
When you notice your lawn turning brown and find dying patches, grub worms living below the surface are likely destroying the grass. It helps to know you can control these pests and restore your lawn to its healthy state by hiring a professional landscaping company to get rid of grub worms.
- Old Weedy Lawns
If you have overgrown weeds in your lawn, the best way to deal with them is to hire experts. This is because they can identify the type and recommend appropriate methods to get rid of them.
- Poor Soil Conditions and Drainage
If the soil loses its nourishing properties or if the drainage is not proper, it can destroy the sod. You need experts to identify the reason for the failure of sod and take steps accordingly.
How to Care for New Sod Installation?
Proper Watering
Since the roots in the new sod require consistent moisture, it needs more water when compared to an established lawn. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Be sure to water your sod to soak the first few inches of soil for the first 1 – 2 weeks after installing it.
- Depending on your region and weather conditions, it is best to water for around 5-15 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
- Then, you can decrease it to once a day while soaking the top quarter-inch of the soil.
- After around three weeks, you can water every other day. After one month, water it as you would an established lawn.
- For maximum moisture absorption, make sure to water your new sod in the morning or evening times, avoiding the afternoon.
Fertilization Rules
You may not need to fertilize your new sod. It is best to wait for a month, so the roots are established into the soil before you apply granular fertilizer to your lawn.
Mowing Your New Sod
Be sure to wait at least five weeks after installation until the new sod is around 3.5 to 4 inches tall to avoid cutting it too close to the root.
Keep your yard moist to promote strong root growth. Ensure your mower’s blades are sharp and avoid cutting the grass too short or unevenly.
Foot Traffic
Try to avoid stepping on your new sod for about 1-2 weeks and keep the traffic to a minimum for a month to ensure proper growth.
Don’t Overwater Before Installation
Overwatering in the days leading up to new sod installation can make the ground muddy. The rule of thumb is to keep the lawn moist by watering it for around 10 to 15 minutes three times every day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caring for New Sod
How Long Does It Take for New Sod to Root?
New sod typically roots within 10 – 15 days of application. This is the best time to mow your new lawn for the first time. Take care not to run or walk on it, so the roots develop well.
What is the Best Time During the Day to Water New Sod?
Instead of the afternoon times, watering your lawn in the morning or late evening is ideal. This is because the hot temperature can cause the water to evaporate quickly, preventing soil from retaining essential nutrients.
You may consider investing in a timed sprinkler to ensure proper growth.
Should I Fertilize New Sod?
It helps to know that new lawns require quality fertilizer to create and maintain a good root system that can keep your yard lush and healthy. Liquid fertilizers yield the best result for new sod because they can penetrate the top of the soil and condition it beneath the surface as well.
Hire Us for New Sod Installation, Removal & Replacement
Although anyone can install a new sod lawn, creating and maintaining a beautiful yard requires adequate methods and proper site preparation.
This is why it is beneficial to hire experts such as Green Grounds Landscaping instead of opting for DIY projects.
We have expert landscapers for new sod installation, sod replacement, yard maintenance, and other landscaping services. We will work to understand your needs and recommend the best possible solution accordingly.
Feel free to reach out to us by calling 612-408-4796 for more information. We’ll be happy to help you!
