6 Common Sod Installation Mistakes to Avoid in Central Florida

Posted by Joe Mouad on Jan 20, 2022 11:00:00 AM

If you install your sod upside down, that’s a mistake.

If you invite the neighborhood soccer team over for practice the day after your sod goes in, that’s also a mistake.

But not all sod installation mistakes are that obvious.

Worried about making mistakes when you lay sod?

Avoid these bad sod installation moves:

1. Choosing the Wrong Sod

All sod isn’t the same. There are several choices.

If you choose the wrong type for your Central Florida yard’s conditions, it won’t thrive. freshly installed sodIs your property sunny or shady? Does it get a lot of foot traffic? Do you have an irrigation system?

Matching the right sod to your site’s conditions is a crucial first step to sod installation success. A good sod installer will walk you through your best choices to avoid this sod installation mistake.

2. Not Killing All the Old Grass

It’s tempting to take a shortcut, but this step is super important.

Before you install sod you have to spray your current turf to kill it. This is done a week or two ahead of time. This is a crucial step. If not done right, wild grass will grow up through your new sod.

Your new sod needs to establish its roots in the soil, to take advantage of the water and nutrients there. The faster it takes root, the healthier it will be. landscape expert installs sodLeaving a layer of grass underneath your new sod prevents it from taking root and increases the chance that the new lawn will die from lack of nutrients and moisture.

Installing sod over existing grass also interferes with proper grade. You want the soil base level with other surfaces like sidewalks and driveways — not higher than them. sod install process Don’t be in a hurry here. The process can take from one to three applications, depending on what type of weeds are lurking in your lawn.

Be sure this task is complete before your sod delivery.

3. Overlapping Pieces of Sod

It’s tempting to do this, to make sure there aren’t any gaps between slabs. But you’ll end up with an uneven, lumpy lawn. That’s bad sod Installation. lawn care expert installs sodLine the seams up just right, with no overlap and no space in between.

4. Waiting Too Long to Install the Cut Sod

There’s absolutely a time limit here.

Technically, cut sod will last about 36 hours in the summer in Orlando and about 72 hours in the winter. sod sitting on palates to be installedBut the sooner your fresh sod goes from the farm to your soil, the better, so it doesn’t dry out. The same day is best.

5. Forgetting to Level Your Lawn

Level out any imperfections in your lawn. You don’t want to sweat through all this hard work then realize later that there were low areas that weren't addressed or humps that could trip you. lawn care team rakes dead grass up Some corrective grading before your sod delivery goes a long way to avoiding bad sod installation.

6. Forgetting to Check and Adjust Irrigation Heads

Once your sod is installed, keeping it watered is crucial.

Roots dry out quickly in Central Florida and gaps can appear if the sod loses moisture after installation, causing the pieces to shrink. irrigation team adjusts sprinkler headYou or your sod installer should make sure all irrigation heads are up and running, and properly adjusted so all corners of your lawn get water.

Worried About Bad Sod Installation? Hire a Pro

The best way to avoid mistakes when you lay sod is to hire a professional.

Nobody expects you to do an expert job. You’re an accountant. Or a teacher. Or (insert your job here.)lawn care team installs sodBut Central Florida sod Installation company crews do this work every day. We’re as proficient at this as you are at your job.

This is hard work. It involves skill, precision, muscles, and professional equipment.

Avoid Sod Installation Mistakes with Ground Source

Some of our customers tell us they tried sod installation themselves. It was a huge pain. Then, they called us.

Do yourself a favor and skip that first part.

We’re sod experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.

Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your Central Florida lawn from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.

Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.

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