Trusted Lawn Care Services in New Smyrna Beach, FL

SOD Preparation for new or existing lawns. Soil Preparation: Before laying new sod, it's important to prepare the soil. Remove any existing grass, weeds, or debris, and then rototill the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Add compost or topsoil to the soil as needed to improve its nutrient content and drainage. Watering: Water the prepared soil thoroughly, and then allow it to settle for a day or two before laying the sod. Once the sod is installed, water it deeply to help it establish roots, and then water it regularly to keep the soil moist. Sod Installation: Start by laying the sod along the longest straight edge of the lawn. Lay each piece of sod tightly against the previous piece, and stagger the seams in a brick-like pattern. Use a sharp knife or shovel to cut the sod to fit around obstacles such as trees or garden beds. Fertilization: Apply a starter fertilizer to the soil before laying the sod, and then follow up with a regular fertilization schedule to provide the new grass with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Mowing: Avoid mowing the new sod until it has been in place for at least two weeks, or until it has established a good root system. When you do mow, be sure to only remove the top 1/3 of the grass blade at a time. Maintenance: Keep foot traffic to a minimum for the first few weeks after installation to allow the sod to take root. Also, avoid using herbicides or pesticides on the new grass for at least the first month after installation.