Sunday, March 24, 2024
HomeLawnHow To Add Sod To Existing Lawn

How To Add Sod To Existing Lawn

Add Nutrients To Your Soil Before Laying Sod

Laying Sod & How to Prepare Soil For Sod | The Home Depot

Sod benefits from nutrient-rich soil that eases the transition from sod to an established yard. To accomplish this, add a nutrient-rich soil amendment as a leveling agent over your topsoil. This can be in the form of compost, but some like to add fertilizer for even better results.

If the first couple inches of soil contains an abundance of nutrients, your sod will establish itself faster and remain green and lush.

Measure Yard And Order Sod

Using a long tape measure, measure the length and width of the area to be covered. Multiply length by width to arrive at the total square footage. Add another 5 to 10% to account for wastage. Order sod from a local supplier to ensure sod thats right for where you live. Ideally, have the sod delivered within 24 to 48 hours of when you expect to start rolling it out.

Roots Dont Make Contact

While it may not be the answer youd like to hear, if you want good results, the answer to Can I lay sod over existing grass is always no. One of the most important reasons why you should not lay sod over an existing lawn is that when you lay sod over existing grass, the roots of the sod won’t make contact with the soil beneath. This means that the sod will have a harder time taking root and may eventually start to die. To avoid this problem, you need to make sure that the roots of the sod are in contact with the soil. This can be done by removing the old lawn before you lay down the sod. This will help ensure your new sod gets off to a successful start.


Recommended Reading: Gazebo Attached To House

Laying Sod Over Old Grass

You may be wondering if you can lay sod over old grass. The answer is yes! This is a quick way to lay your grass fast. .

Heres what you need to know about the process.

When you lay new grass over an existing lawn, the old vegetation begins to decompose. The decomposition process produces heat and gasses, which may adversely affect your new grass.

However, there are cases where you can install sod over the existing turf areas..


Add Amendments Organic Material

This guide explains how to lay sod in your front or backyard. Refresh ...

Your soil test may suggest specific amendments such as sulfur or agricultural lime to adjust soil pH, or nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium to rectify nutrient deficiencies. Spread these granular materials over the site in a thin layer, using a drop spreader.

A starter fertilizer, which is high in phosphorus but has lower levels of nitrogen and potassium, is an excellent choice for new lawns, especially if you don’t have a soil test to guide you more specifically. Phosphorus is especially helpful, as this nutrient helps roots get established.

It’s also a good idea to spread out organic material, such as peat moss, compost, or a commercial soil conditioner, which contains a blend of organics, nutrients, and enzymes designed to improve soils.

Recommended Reading: How To Paint A Design On Concrete Patio

Laying Sod Around Curves

Neat green rectangles of sod fit tightly against each other when laid in straight lines, but they won’t conform to a curve, such as around the edge of a flower bed. Some people cut the sod lengthwise into strips that can be bent around a curve, but This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook says smaller pieces like that are more likely to dry out and die than ones that remain full-width.


Instead, Roger makes his sod curve the way a tailor might, by cutting a dart or two in a full-sized piece. With the sod laid next to the curve, he grabs a couple of spots along one edge and pinces them together to make the sod follow the contours of the bed. This creates a triangular upward fold that he slices down its crease with a razor knife. One side of the cut goes down against the ground he lays the other flap on top of it. Using the cut edge of this flap as a guide, he saws the knife through the sod and removes the triangular piece underneath. Now, the flaps meet andvoilathe cut disappears.

How To Prepare Your Ground For Sod And Installation

Lawn and grass areas add beauty, texture, color, and a perfect cool environment to your landscaping. With Mighty 109, you can rest easy that you have purchased the best sod available with a complete Mighty 109 Guarantee. To assist you in successfully installing your new sod, we have put together a helpful step-by-step guild for preparing your soil including growing tips.

Also Check: Backyard Discovery Tucson Cedar Wooden Swing Set

Install Sod On Bare Ground Vs Existing Grass

This is a quick way to make your lawn look new very quickly.

Things to consider. When you lay new turf over your grass.


Turfgrass needs three main things to thrive.

You can kill your new turf when you put new sod over old sod.

Proper preparation is the key to beautiful results.

Improper installation can result in an uneven yard with a bumpy surface.

Bare soil


Tips From Sod Farmers

Way to Grow: Patch Up the Lawn With Sod | HGTV

Here’s some advice from the pros for DIY sod installation.

  • Because sod is perishable and dries out quickly, many farmers cut their turf in the middle of the night so that it can be delivered and installed the same day. To keep it moist, consider watering the sod after you lay the first large area and move the sprinkler around the lawn as you complete each subsequent section.
  • Even sod farmers can’t tell how moist soil is by looking at a lawn. Use a soil probe to check moisture levels. After a thorough watering, soil should be damp 3 to 4 inches below the surface.
  • Strong turf needs plenty of sun shade-grown grass is weaker and more susceptible to disease since it stays covered with dew longer. Water shady spots less often and reduce fertilizer by 25 percent.

Don’t Miss: 9×9 Pergola With Retractable Canopy

Remove Existing Plant Life

New sod will not grow on existing grass or other plant life, so the first step is to remove or kill off the existing grass. There are various ways to do this, including simply cutting it into pieces and removing it by hand. Or, you can use a manual or power sod cutter to slice off sections of the old lawn down to the roots.

An easier, though more time-consuming way, is to use a broadspectrum spray herbicide to kill off all vegetation over the area where the sod will be laid. But it may take multiple applications spaced over two to four weeks to fully kill off grass and weeds. But once killed, this dead plant material can simply be churned into the soil with a tiller.

Can I Lay Sod Over Or Next To Existing Grass Tips For Apopka Fl Homeowners

Everybody loves a shortcut, right? Especially when it comes to dirty, back-breaking work like laying sod.We can sense you pondering how to lay your new sod and be done in time to grab a steak dinner and fit in nine holes of golf.Maybe you can just lay new sod over the existing grass? Or maybe you dont need to install a whole new lawn. Can you just do some patches, and lay sod next to existing grass?Just like magic, here are your answers.


Recommended Reading: Metal Roof Gazebo 10×12

How To Prep Your Soil Before Laying New Sod

Step 1: Till the remaining soil to loosen it up and break up the solid chunks. Loose soil will make it easier for the sods roots to become established.

Step 2: Rake the soil as well, and make the surface is even so that your sod will appear flat with no uneven spots.

Step 3: Sprinkle a thin layer of topsoil onto the soil for some added nutrients.

Step 4: Water the soil lightly to dampen it before laying your sod.


If You Have Not Already Its Time To Fertilize

Amanda Arnold How to guide: Topdressing your lawn How to guide ...

Fertilizing now will allow all of your fertilizer to get fully beneath the surface to feed the roots. Though you can add fertilizer after laying the sod, you may lose some of it due to runoff.

Fertilizers are essential for a green lawn as they aid your new sod with nutrient uptake and improve the soils PH, which allows the roots to establish themselves deeper in the soil, leading to a healthier, happier, and greener lawn.

Don’t Miss: Apartments For Rent With Backyard

Remove Any Existing Grass Or Weeds

The last step in preparing your soil for sod is to remove any existing grass or weeds. This is important because you dont want these things competing with your new sod for nutrients and water.

If the area is small, you can do this by hand with a shovel or hoe. For larger areas, however, you may want to consider renting a power tiller or rototiller.

Dont Miss: What Is The Best Battery Lawn Mower

When Is It Right To Fertilize And Mow New Sod

You may have to fertilize grass that gets to about 7cm height consider mowing back down to 5cm. Since your new lawn is not yet at optimal health, a walk-behind mower would suffice. The main reason for this is its light and makes it easy for you to bag the clips. While you probably want it to grower high in the summer when weeds thrive, consider cutting at 25% of the grass length.

As far as fertilizing goes, give your lawn up to three or four weeks to develop. Once its complete, boost its growth with the starter fertilizer to replace any lost nutrients during the initial watering process.

Also Check: Broyhill Gazebo Replacement Frame Parts

Now Its Time For The Fun Part

Your surface has been leveled and prepared, and its time to unroll your brand new lawn!

Start with the longest fixed edge or any edge in the landscape that can not be moved e.x. garden beds, house, sidewalk etc. Using scissors, clippers or a knife cut your edge in, laying the sod parallel to the longest fixed edge.

Tips For A Proper Installation

  • Start the first run on the longest fixed landscape edge
  • Be sure to stagger each run so that the short edges dont line up with each other
  • Do not Overlap edges
  • Why Install Sod Over Existing Grass

    How to Lay Sod in a Backyard | Ask This Old House

    So what happens when you install sod over existing grass?

    The thing about sod is that it relies on two things to grow and flourish. It needs nutrients, and it needs water. There arent many nutrients in bare soil however, theres a lot in your grass!

    When you lay sod over your grass, the grass isnt getting water or sunlight, so that it will die rather quickly. However, the nutrients from the grass will transfer to the sod, and that combined with the right amount of water will help it to flourish soon.

    Simply put, laying sod over existing grass is going to save you a lot of effort and is one of the easiest ways to get your sod the nutrients it needs to thrive.

    Recommended Reading: Best Stone For Fire Pit

    The Sod Will Struggle To Take Root

    If sod is laid over existing grass, the roots will have to work hard to get to the soil, and they may be unsuccessful. Then, youll see your brand new sod start to yellow and die within just a few weeks. Youll eventually have to not only replace your new sod, but youll also have to pull up the old grass, which will be a slimy, decomposing nightmare underneath.

    Should You Roll Dirt Before Sod

    Before sod arrives, be sure to have topsoil in place, spread, leveled, and rolled/compacted. As soon as the sod arrives, you should be prepared to install it. To compact the topsoil, use a light to medium weight roller and roll it. Lay sod on top of the rolled & compacted soil. Place sod in the hole.

    Let sod sit for a few days to allow it to dry out. Remove sod from hole and place it in a bucket of water. Fill bucket with water and let it sit overnight. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until all sod has been placed in bucket. Allow sod to sit in water for 24 hours.

    Drain bucket and allow to air dry. Continue to do this until you have used all of your sod. If you do not have enough water to fill the bucket, you can use a garden hose to water your garden.

    Recommended Reading: How To Kill Clover In Lawn Organically

    Don’t Miss: Corner Gazebo With Roof

    Diy: How To Lay Your Own Sod And Keep It Alive

    Ever wanted to lay your own sod but thought it was too hard or not worth the time? Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s actually really easy and will save you a ton of money. It’ll also give you more control over what kind of grass you want in your yard. Let me show you how with these simple step-by-step instructions!

    Problems With Laying Sod Over Existing Lawn

    Top 3 Benefits of Adding Synthetic Grass to Your Home

    You may be wondering how to lay sod over an existing lawn, and it’s easy to see the appeal. After all, why go through the hassle of tearing up your old lawn when you can just lay down a new one? However, there are some serious problems with this approach. Here we will review what those problems are and provide useful tips for laying sod the right way.

    Also Check: How To Tilt Patio Umbrella

    Prepare The Site: Depending On Your Situation You Will Use One Of The Following Methods

  • Sites with existing lawn grass, weeds or areas being replaced or repaired with new sod:
  • Remove any existing grass or weeds. This can be done by using a machine or by hand.

    Break up the top 10-15cm of soil using a tiller. Remove any debris such as larger stones or clumps of clay.

    2. Sites in new developments or new construction:

    Remove any debris such as larger stones or chunks of clay. If weeds have grown in they must be removed.

    Final grade & drainage must be completed before spreading new top soil or installing sod.

    Basic Soil & Sod Install Tools:

    Be sure to have sufficient watering equipment on hand & ready to use.

    Top Soil

    Always use an adequate amount of good quality top soil for your project.

    Determine the amount of top soil needed for your site & organize the delivery.

    New Construction Sites : Its advisable to order soil based on a minimum 4 5 inch depth of new top soil. Once spread, leveled and packed with a roller it will result in a 3.5 4 inch depth of top soil for your new sod.

    You can choose to use more top soil, however, be sure to follow the prep guidelines for best results.

    Existing Lawns being renovated or repaired: Order top soil based on the specifics of the project & take into account any existing good soil on site.

    Prepare the top soil:

    1: Spread & level topsoil to a finished approx. 3 3.5 inches minimum compacted depth.

    Your finished top soil grade should be 1 inch below driveways, curbs, walks and patios etc. to allow for ease of mowing.

    Can You Lay New Sod Over Existing Grass

    One of the most common questions we get asked is whether or not you can lay new sod over existing grass.

    While technically it is possible to lay new sod over old grass, it generally isnt recommended. Theres a good chance that it wont root correctly and will eventually die. You cant just put sod on top of grass without first preparing the soil. To root effectively, all sod must make direct soil contact.

    Lets dig into some reasons that you shouldnt lay new sod over old grass!

    Don’t Miss: How To Make Cushion Covers For Patio Furniture

    Eliminate The Existing Grass

    To get rid of old grass, use a rototiller coupled with a rake if the grass is too thin. After digging up the grass, rake all remaining debris, including the roots. What if the grass is considerably thicker, or you intend to lay sod on a substantial part of your lawn?

    In this case, renting a sod cutter is a great idea to extract the existing grass in strips and handle more debris. In addition, it pays to strip an inch or so of the topsoil to ensure the fresh sod is even with the rest of your lawn. You can even use a mower for better results.

    Can You Lay Sod Over Existing Grass What To Know

    How to Install Sod | A DIY Guide

    When your lawn grass takes a lot of beating after so many years, it may start thinning. This leaves you with bald patches of brown dry grass. At this point, you may have to lay sod as a quick remedy. So can you over your existing grass?

    Although laying sod is a faster and easier route to instant lawn, laying sod over the existing can kill your new sod or place it at the risk of slow growth.

    Laying sod over new bare ground takes a lot of muscle but you can almost be guaranteed that the grass will do better than when it is on existing turf.

    Sodding can either be done through DIY, following our simple and easy steps. But it can also be done by lawn professionals who know how to do the job paying attention to detail and precision.

    You May Like: Can A Propane Patio Heater Be Used In A Garage


    RELATED ARTICLES

    Most Popular