Sodding is the most popular and effective way to create a lush lawn in your yard. Sod grows actively before it is cut into rolls and delivered to your home.
It is recommended that you lay sod in spring or fall to increase the chances of your lawn being successful. Sod prefers cooler temperatures and needs to be watered several times a day for two weeks after installation.
Soil
Soil is one of the most important parts of the natural environment and supports all life on Earth. It is a reservoir of water and nutrients, the medium for filtration and breakdown of injurious wastes, and the organiser of the flow of carbon and other elements through the global ecosystem. It is also an excellent medium for planting and for the growth of living organisms.
Soils are formed through the gradual breakdown of rock and the material that it contains. This material is composed of mineral particles; sand, silt and clay give soil its mineral texture. Leaves, animal manure and other organic material also contribute to the soil’s structure. In addition, microorganisms – bacteria, fungi, protozoa and earthworms – make up about 15 percent of the total amount of organic matter in soil (Gugino 2007; Brady 1996). These organisms perform many valuable functions – recycling organic material into new soil, drawing and fixing nitrogen from the air to feed plants, creating aeration through their burrowing activities and performing countless others.
The upper boundary that separates soil from the non-soil that lies below is called the A horizon, which usually has a dark color and is rich in organic matter. The A horizon is followed by a layer of weathered mineral particles called the B horizon, which is a darker and less organic layer. As you dig deeper, the organic layers increase and the mineral layer decreases.
Another important characteristic of soil is its water-holding capacity, which determines how much moisture is available to crops between rains. It is determined by soil texture and the size of its pore spaces, which are empty spaces between the soil particles. Soils with good structure have large pore spaces that are easily filled with water and air.
A soil’s water-holding capacity can be improved by adding organic matter such as compost, crop residue high in lignin or cover crops, and reducing tillage. It is also influenced by drainage. If a soil is sandy and drains quickly, it can lose a lot of its water to runoff. This can be overcome by the addition of gypsum.
Temperature
Sod is a premium lawn option that requires significant up-front expense. While it’s usually the fastest installation method (especially compared to seeding) it also has its downsides including cost and need for proper lawn care.
Soil temperature, watering and sunlight all influence how quickly a sod lawn can become established. It is essential to have a clear plan for the project prior to starting the sod install. It is recommended that the sod be installed on the same day that it arrives, if possible. If sod is left rolled up or on the pallet for too long it will build internal heat and begin to decompose.
While sodding is a quick lawn installation option it does require significant watering to help the grass get settled and to ensure that the roots are growing into the soil. If the sod is not given the proper amount of water it will eventually start to shrink and leave gaps in the lawn.
Generally, the best sod is grown locally to avoid lengthy transport and possible drying out. Choose a sod producer who carefully manages intruders like insects and weeds to increase its quality and longevity. When purchasing sod it is important to unroll a piece and examine its thickness and tensile strength. If it tears easily, it will not hold up to heavy use.
Using sod is an excellent choice for new lawns and renovations. It is also an ideal solution for sports turf, golf course bunkers and other high-traffic areas that need a quick, high-quality finish. Sod offers a durable, lush lawn that is great for home and commercial properties.
Light
Sod is usually cut from a local sod farm close to the day it will be laid. This eliminates the problem of it drying out during long transport. Once it is laid it must be watered well and on a regular basis to prevent it from drying out. If this happens it will shrink leaving gaps in your lawn. To avoid this a lawn care product such as Milorganite that adds nitrogen and phosphorous to speed up grass development will help keep your sod moist.
Meteorology. (of wind) moderate or calm: a light breeze. Nautical. a sail of light canvas set in calm weather, especially a royal, studdingsail, gaff topsail, or spinnaker.