Looking for something to speed up your lawn’s growth? Meet Sod!
Have you ever wondered how the lawn of your far-living neighbor remains lush green and noticeably vibrant all year round? Even when you’ve never really seen the dude using a shovel and a rake a day in his life?
We assure you, he’s not friends with the enchanted elves or garden fairies. He’s probably just using sod! An evergreen roll of sod can convert your yard into an instagrammable shrubbery!
A non-mythical solution to fix your lawn and change it into an elegant Eden is only a click away from you!
The word sod/turf might sound like the name of a flavored gelato, but it is actually a modern-day solution for your lawn.
As Gertrude Jekyll once said, “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies,” but little did he know, sodding is even better than seeding, cause really! Who has the time to plow the seeds and wait for them to grow?
Table of Contents
What is Sod?
Sod, also called turf, is a patch of grown grass layered with fertile soil underneath. It is held together by a root system or some biodegradable material that gives you a quick fix for your garden.
You simply roll it out, water it, and hurrah! A beautiful verdant growth is ready for you to showcase on your lawn.
Where can I use Sod, and Why should I consider sodding?
You might be a little confused by the term, as most people like saying turf instead of sod. It has been a famous go-to grass roll for golf courses and sports stadiums but has recently gained momentum and hype in the gardening industry.
Sods are used for home decoration, school and office lawns, and in-house gardening.
They provide a time and energy-saving hack for your backyard and attenuate the risk of disasters in hilly areas and construction sites.
Sod prevents soil erosion, improves air and water quality, cools the surroundings, and prevents flooding in the area by draining the water properly.
We bet you’d be surprised to know that sod grass is often used as a roofing material in the Scandinavian states. Especially in Iceland, it’s a traditional house construction material.
Seeding Vs. Sodding? Which one to choose and why?
Sodding a lawn indeed results in instant gratification, but there’s a whole side to seeding that you might be unaware of. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.
Advantages of Sodding
Fast and speedy lawn preparation
Attenuates soil erosion
Usually steers clear of weeds (at least in the beginning)
Thatch layer can attract diseases or pests
You can lay it anytime you wish during the growing seasons
Disadvantages of Sodding
Heavy on the pocket
Requires labor
Fewer options to choose from in terms of grass variety
Advantages of Seeding
Excellent stacks of variety
It offers an established and robust root system that promotes endurance and longevity of the lawn
Budget-friendly
No thatch layer dangers
Disadvantages of Seeding
Takes years to witness results
Seedings are hypersensitive to moisture
Weeds can destroy the soil
You can not access the area until it is fully established
Seeding slots are conducive only during late summers or initial fall
How is Sod cultivated and harvested?
Sod is a crop, and similar to any other crop, the sod must be planted, harvested, and then shipped so we can convert our gardens into small evergreen havens.
It is planted and then harvested between 10-18 monthly. The harvest time depends upon the type of sod grown and the speed of its growth. Climatic conditions, the type of soil, provided care, and fertilizers also affect the development of sod.
Once harvested, the sod is cut to a standard size and rolled up with the help of specialized technical equipment before loading it onto the trucks and sending them babies away for cash.
Mississippi State University is working on a variety of sod that can be grown without soil. If they succeed, the future of gardening might turn sun bright!
Are there different types of Sod?
Picking the suitable variety of sod compatible with your natural garden grass is almost as crucial as getting transfused with a blood group identical to yours!
The sod roll you choose today must also be in harmony with the climatic conditions of your area, your foot traffic, pets, if any, and soil type for best results.
Three of the best, widely used varieties of sod grass, among hundreds of others, are:
Bermuda Grass
Bermuda Grass is sourced directly from the Bermuda Triangle! (We’re just kidding)
With its mysterious dark green and infusion blue hues, this variety is tolerant to foot traffic and droughts. It doesn’t require much watering either.
Come Winter or spring; your Bermuda grass won’t budge. This baby is robust and won’t let you down even during harsh seasons.
Bella Bluegrass
Also sold as a bit of herbage, Bella bluegrass is one of the few grass types that thrive even in the northern regions of the US. It required minimal mowing and was first developed by Nebraska University.
Zoysia Grass
Not afraid of hot temperatures, drought, salt, and foot traffic, Zoysia grass sod is a durable choice for people living in coastal areas.
How to prepare your garden for Sod?
Follow these steps to help turf grow at its best in your yard. Remember that the trick to growing a durable, resistant, and stunning garden sod is to prepare the soil and prevent it from attracting pesky pests.
Clean the debris, and remove all rocks, pebbles, and weeds if there are any, to begin with.
To solve drainage and weed issues, check the ground and thoroughly grade your lawn to solve drainage and weed.
Add 4-6 inches of suitable topsoil, and test the soil.
Once the soil is well watered, leveled, and clear from all contamination, it’s time to measure the ground.
Order sod pallets according to the measurements of your garden, and take your time choosing the best-suited variety.
How to lay Sod?
Do not delay laying sod! Laying it out in your yard on the day it delivers is crucial. Check the soil for moisture if you’re unsure if the sod delivered to you is perfect.
Touch the turf, turn it upside down, observe its back, and make sure the sod roll provided to you is fresh, lush, healthy, and strong.
To lay the first pallet roll, lay it alongside something that would keep its alignment straight. After you lay the first roll, the rest of the procedure becomes fun and easy.
You should water the sod no less than half an hour after laying it.
We suggest starting from the lowest point and working your way upwards for the slopes and hilly areas.
All you need afterward is an appropriate watering schedule, ample sunlight exposure, a little mowing, and just the right amount of compatible soil fertilizers every few months.
Pros and Cons of Sod
On one hand, Sod gives instant evergreen results, establishes fast, alters a repair-needing yard into majestic green land, and can be installed in any season quite effectively.
However, the initial cost of laying Sod in your yard is high. If you top it up with labor and transport finances, it might be a bit heavy on your pocket.
Also, if you don’t prep your lawn properly before slapping down that turf, you won’t be able to enjoy sipping coffee sitting in your lawn chair. It would deteriorate pretty quickly and create a swinging imbalance!
Ask Away: FAQs
What material do you need to lay sod?
The material you need to lay sod includes Garden gloves, a mini tiller, a tool garden rake, and a lawn sprinkler. You can buy all these products and tools from Amazon at affordable rates.
How long after sod can I walk on it?
We suggest waiting for two weeks before you wander around in your new sod garden. If you walk on it before its roots have been established, you might destroy all chances of success.
How much sod can I lay in a day being average sized?
An ordinary person can lay 3000-4000 square feet of sod daily. It requires a diligent mind more than labor.
Is sodding cheaper than seeding?
Although a bag of seeds costs less than a roll of sod, you can’t compare the two. Sod gives stunning vivid results instantly as it is a finished product, whereas seeds require constant care, attention, and at least two years to provide a dramatic look.
