I just started today putting down sod in my backyard. The whole yard is hard dirt. Today it rain and loosend the ground a little so I went to Lowes and bought some sod. I broke up the dirt like I read online about 2 inches and layed the sod about 3 inches apart from each other. I just got done watering to get the roots to settle in the ground. I love in southern CA so it rained for an hour this morning and then the sun came out and warmed the day. I have seen many brand new homes with sod and it is always far apart from each other but I read online they need to be touching... which way is correct? Should there be a small space or close together? The other question is did I lay the sod right? Am I missing a step or do I need to add manure or anything? What is the best way to keep the sod healthy? Thanks for any help!
2007-02-19 16:41:34 · 6 answers · asked by imissrascal 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
the only thing you'll get by leaving a 3" gap between rolls of sod is 3" lines of soil in your lawn. sod pieces should be laid with the edges fitted snugly together and the ends staggered so that there will be no craks in the surface. the sod should not be be stretched excessively, as this may result in shrinkage and openings in the surface during drying.once in place the sod should be rolled to ensure good contact with the underlying soil.this will remove air pockets, which can cause drying of the roots.newly laid sod should be water thouroughly after laying and should be watered daily to maintain adequate surface moisture during the rooting period which can be from two to three weeks. hope this helps out.
2007-02-19 20:14:17 · answer #1 · answered by brain fart 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in Virginia, a stone's throw from Washington, DC. Right now the ground is covered with snow sandwiched between two layers of ice. At other times of the year they put sod down around here. I've laid sod here and in Florida, and I've never heard of leaving a space between pieces of sod. The most important thing about getting sod to do what it's supposed to do is to water it. Manure would be a nice touch, but I've never heard of that either. I'm sure the grass wouldn't mind.
2007-02-19 16:56:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sod should be installed so that the peices but up against one another. Leaving a space will allow the ends to dry out and turn brown. Soil preparation is important so you did the correct thing by tilling the soil first. Adding a small amout of compost and tilling it in is helpful. Be sure to keep the sod watered adequately until the root begin to take hold.
Here's an article I wrote for my site http://www.gardenlistings.com
2007-02-20 02:12:39 · answer #3 · answered by riverbirch12345 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I worked for a landscaping company we always laid sod green side up, sides touching (seamless) and off set by half the length of sod. Looks like laying brick. With consistant watering at least every other day you should have new roots within a week. Top dress your 3 inch gaps with sand to prevent furrows or re-lay your sod with sides touching.
2007-02-19 21:30:32 · answer #4 · answered by reynwater 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although I have never layed sod myself... I do see alot of it at work. I work for a construction materials supplier in Florida and go to new subdivisions and other new construction. Whenever I see sod being layed, it seems that the guys doing it place it close together almost to the point of slightly overlapping. Hope this helps.... and yes, the key is to water frequently after laying the sod.
2007-02-19 16:55:20 · answer #5 · answered by Porterhouse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have landscaped for 17 years.we have never left a gap.you should always pull the sod tight.and we have laid sod on hard ground and it will still do fine.please go back and pull the sod tight.good luck
2007-02-20 00:25:20 · answer #6 · answered by moose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋