SODDING

WHAT IS IT?             Sod, also known as turf, is the upper layer of soil with the grass growing on it that is often harvested into rolls. Generally used for replacing and/or repairing lawns, golf courses, sports stadiums and is used as a quicker alternative to re-growing a lawn from seed. Sod is also effective in increasing cooling, improving air and water quality, and assisting in flood prevention by draining water.

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​HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?        Regrettably, there is “NO” set price due to several key factors (Variables) that will affect the final amount you can expect to pay. Sod is generally more expensive than grass seed, so it's not for everyone. But there are some circumstances where sod is the most sensible way to plant a new lawn. The key factors needed to be considered will include:

• Location (Where is the job located)

• Size of Project (In acres/hectares or square feet/ square meters)

• Application Conditions (Slope and/or Grade)

• Accessibility Conditions (Roadside, Un-Restricted or Limited)

Should you be given a price for a sod installation over the phone without any of these factors, most likely then some of these factors were not incorporated into the stated price. The most common factor omitted is likely to be the minimum charge. Keep in mind costs are very general and depending on your area could fluctuate wildly.

 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SOD?     When to sod depends on your climate. The ideal time in Southern Ontario is during those seasonal periods when daytime air temperatures range between 15 - 24 degrees Celsius (59 - 75 degrees Fahrenheit), and ground temperatures are at least 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit) and regular rainfall is anticipated, e.g., May, June, September and Early October. Spring and fall are considered the best times of the year to sod to ensure a good result from your efforts. These times of year generally provide the milder, wetter environments that are beneficial for sod to establish and grow well. The anticipated rainfall will help defray the costs of watering.

• Spring takes advantage of spring rains and cooler temperatures which makes for particularly good growing conditions. However, frost can be hard on sod, slowing down and sometimes even killing sod, so make sure you are planning to sod late enough in the spring, so frost is not likely. The disadvantage of spring sodding is if followed by a hot summer, it may take more watering for the first year to keep it alive and thriving in the summer.

• Summer is popular, but it is often more expensive because it requires more maintenance and water than other seasons. This is because summers tend to be hotter and drier, so laying sod in the summer can be more challenging during these months. You will need to make sure recently sodded areas have plenty of water and appropriate drainage to manage any runoff and avoid pooling. Finally, unless you have an abundant and cheap source of water its best not to sod in the summer. There is not much point in fighting off high temperatures if it is possible to avoid it.​

• Fall sodding takes advantage of the warm days/cool nights and gives the sod time to establish before winter sets in. However, frost can be hard on sod, slowing down and sometimes even killing it, so make sure you are planning to sod at least 45 days or so before the first expected frost. If done in the late fall the sod will be dormant throughout the winter and then when the rains and warmer temperatures of spring to give it a good start before a hot summer.

 

​WHAT GROUND PREPARATION IS REQUIRED?    Preparing the ground for sod is an important step for ensuring knitting. This phase is sometimes rushed or disregarded. Not preparing the ground correctly is one of the most common and major mistakes made. You can have the finest sod and best fertilizer, but poor ground preparation can lead to inadequate results. The extent of the ground preparation depends upon your soil test results and the type of sod you are considering.

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HOW MUST IT BE INSTALLED?     It must be laid over 2-4 inches of bare loose quality topsoil that is free of all debris, large rocks, leaves and sticks. The sod must be in direct contact with the loosened soil, so the small roots can take hold and grow deep. Sod cannot be installed and/or laid over existing grass, ground cover or vegetation. 

 

WILL IT WASH AWAY?     If the soil has been properly prepared and the sod was installed properly for the applicable terrain it should not wash away after the installation under normal weather conditions.

 

​IS IT FOR SAFE?      Sod is a safe and non-toxic. No harsh chemicals are used in the sod process; therefore, making it safe to use around children and animals.

 

CAN I WALK ON IT?           A new sod installation can be walked on immediately after laying to perform planned maintenance. As much possible, keep children, pets and wildlife off the area and prevent any unwanted foot traffic until the sod has established about 3 to 5 weeks.

 

HOW LONG BEFORE USE?           It is good to keep children, pets and wildlife off new sod until it has time to knit. This should be about 3 to 5 weeks depending upon the variety of sod used. Unnecessary foot traffic should be kept to a minimum.

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​DOES IT HAVE TO BE WATERED?       Immediately within 1-2 hours after the installation the sod must be watered deeply. Newly sodded areas must be watered 2-3 times a day for roughly 8-10 minutes each time for 7-14 days. Insufficient or overwatering may have adverse affects on establishment. Newly sodded areas should not go without water for no more than a day.

 

​WHAT MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED?  A post-sodding maintenance program is essential, and you must stick to it. If not, everything done was a waste of time and money. The program (12 Month) should consist of proper watering, mowing, fertilizer and weed control.​

• The most important requirement is proper watering.

  • When the new sod has been installed for at least 3 weeks and knitted it is time to perform the first cutting.

  • Set the mower between 3” to 3 1/2”. Do not cut more than ¾” off at any one time.

  • Allow the clippings to drop down, so they can decompose to provided food and help to keep the soil from drying out.

  • Prior to mowing for the first time, allow the area to dry out just so the mower will not leave ruts. Mowing stimulates growth and increases thickness.

• Do not apply any type of weed control product for at least 8 (Eight) to 12 (Twelve) weeks after installation. The product will have adverse affects on the sod.

• About one month after installation, fertilize your new lawn using a 8-32-16, fertilizer. Once established, follow a fertilizer maintenance program of 4-6 times per year, should be sufficient.​

 

​WHAT IS THE BEST SOD?          

The different types of grass are used for sod installations in Southern Ontario are cool-season grasses because they stand up to the punishing cold of winter. They're in danger of going dormant when summer temperatures reach above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The two main types are:

• ​Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) can be grown in zones 3 to 7. Valued for its bluish-green color, it has distinct pros and cons. Benefits include its tolerance for foot traffic, its soft texture (great for bare feet), and its ability to bounce back from stress. But it's intolerant of heat, drought, and shade.

• ​​Tall Fescue (Festuca spp.) can be grown in zones 3 to 8 and has a clumping habit. It looks different from most other lawn grasses: It has wide, dark green wide blades that are coarse to the touch. It tolerates foot traffic and drought and doesn't produce much thatch, but it doesn't blend as well with other turf types in a lawn as most grasses do.

 

​IS IT GUARANTEED OR WARRANTIED?   In most situations there is "NO" guarantee or warranty for sod unless a watering maintenance and fertilizing program was purchased with the installation because it is a planting process. Soil type, quality, and condition have the greatest influence on the germination, establishment, and sustainability.

• ·However, if prior to the installation an "INDPENDANT THIRD-PARTY SOIL TEST" was completed and the soil was adjusted to reflect the soil’s condition. There is a one-time, free of charge, repair and/or replacement warranty against application defects for the remainder of the calendar year from the time of completion with proof of post application maintenance (watering, weeding, fertilizing, proper mowing, etc.)