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View Full Version : I want to lay sod, but I need some help or information on preparing the ground.


Ram63
May 20, 2011, 05:25 PM
I've spoken to a landscaper that said I should soak the ground for a few days and then lay the sod on the ground. He said that if I get a fertilizer that promotes root growth that it should be fine. I want to know if I should do anything else to help prepare the soil. Thanks for any advice!

ma0641
May 21, 2011, 06:50 AM
Make sure the soil Ph is correct too. Scarify the soil, rake in the fertilizer, wet the soil very well, lay the sod, compact it well with a roller and keep it well watered for a week or so. I just did Xeon Zoysia and it took in about 4 days. Good luck.

Skylude52
May 23, 2011, 10:39 AM
I am very interested in this process but I do not know much about this sod laying business. Can you go into more detail on scarifying, what type of fertilizer to use, what type of sod to get, and where I can get a roller and how do you know if it takes? Thanks again for any help!

smoothy
May 23, 2011, 11:32 AM
Starter Fertilizer is what you need... that's exactly what its called.

Scarifying is breaking up the surface, like with a hard tined garden rake (tilling isn't really needed)... if its been without grass for a while it will be smooth and hard packed. Not conducive to getting plants to take. The roller is to make sure all the sod is in direct contact with the ground under it.

Water the ground well, sprinkle on the starter fertilizer, then put the sod down. Water at least in the morning and evening for several weeks. Let it dry out and its going to die real quick.

I'd water it at least once a day for a few weeks more if you are in a dry period. Just to make sure it gets well rooted.