How to Prepare for Sod

Sod in Olympia WA is a convenient and immediate means of improving a lawn’s appearance for many homeowners in the Pacific Northwest. While it may take no time at all to get your lawn looking lush once the sod is laid, it’s important to take some time beforehand to prepare the area. Taking preparatory actions like aerating the soil and leveling the ground make a huge difference to prepare for sod is even improve its chances for success. Here are four ways you can prepare your lawn for sod.

1. Aerate Soil

Compact soil is one of the biggest factors that can lead to sad sod. Compaction happens naturally over time due to drying, foot traffic, and sprinkler droplets that push soil down. When compaction is severe, it acts as a barrier to water and rainfall and leaves the soil underneath dry and without nutrients. These are terrible conditions for new sod. To combat the problem, be sure to aerate your lawn by removing small soil plugs from the ground.

2. Fertilize

Before the sod goes in, give your lawn a nutrient boost by fertilizing. Lay a fertilizer high in phosphorus and follow up with adding one inch of organic material, like compost, across the surface. You can create a hospitable environment for the new sod and its delicate root system by tilling these nutrients into the ground.

3. Check pH Level 

After aerating and treating your soil, be sure to check the pH balance. Use a simple pH meter to check the acidic level, which should optimally be at 6 to 6.5. The right level of pH will yield maximum root growth in new sod. You can till lime to reduce acidity or sulfur to increase acidity.

4. Level Ground

When sod is laid, it will settle by conforming to every contour in your lawn. Create a flat surface by leveling the ground after you’ve added nutrients, but before the sod is laid. Doing so prevents empty low spots from accumulating stagnant water.

For questions or care involving sod and hydroseeding in Olympia WA, contact your local turf farmer experts today.