Sod Or Grass Seed - Tips For Your Landscape

It is possible to get grass from seed to grow, but can be a lot more challenging and many hours of frustration and work. In this situation, add two to four inches of good quality top soil.

Adding top soil will give the seeds some substance to develop their root systems. You will need to look for shade grass seed for this area. Fescue is a popular seed and will do well in sun or shade.

There are warm and cold climate grass seed available. Your decision will depend on the area you live in. Bermuda, Centipede, St.Augustine, and Zoysia, are all warm climate grasses.

Fescue, Kentucky, Bluegrass, Perennial Rye, Buffalo grass, and Bent grass are for cooler or colder climates. Fuscue, Kentucky, Bluegrass can be used in most regions and are less expensive.

The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes is a fantastic resource and informational book for you.

In addition to these basic steps in this article, learn the varieties of grasses available for you in both cold and warm geographic locations.

Wonderful reviews and worth the investment for your outside enjoyment.

If you plan to seed your lawn, the first step in preparing the ground. You will want to spray for any weeds, or existing grass. You may have to do two applications of spraying. Wait one week before you seed.

I recommend aerating the ground. Aerators are available at most rental or garden supply stores. The aerator has several spikes on the roller which allows you to loosen the ground. It is heavy to push as water is put inside to add pressure so the spikes can penetrate the ground.

A food for thought, plan on a good breakfast and a big water jug. The best time to seed is in the spring or fall. Applying the seed should be done in early morning or before dust. You can use a broadcast spreader or a drop spreader. Make sure you evenly spread the seed through your entire area. Take some bales of hay and spread it on top of the seed to help keep moisture locked in.

Water your seed generously for the first few weeks. Every day for the first week or so and then every other day for then next couple of weeks. You will see the the little blades of grass appear out of the ground.

If you are using an oscillating sprinkler, make sure you water long enough, as it takes the water awhile to go below the surface. Never seed in winter, as grasses are dormant, and summer is too hot. Another problem area for using seed is if you have any erosion problems. It is almost impossible to get grass to grow with a water flow problems. Sod may be a better solution for you.

Laying sod is not as hard as it sounds. It comes in pallets and usually sold by the square foot or square yard. Nine square foot equals one square yard. (three feet times three feet) Your cost will depend on where you live and what is available.

Many large cities provide landscape contractors, or have retail stores.

Smaller cities and local towns may have farms you can buy directly from. Talk with them about what might be best for you, and they can help you with the details on how to measure your area. Feel free to contact me and I would be happy to assist you in any questions you may have about your lawn.

The same first step before you lay the sod is spray for any weeds or any existing grass. In the southeast and southwestern part of the USA, there is sometimes the problem of wild Bermuda grass. To get rid of this type of grass, at least two rounds of spraying is needed. Again, wait a week before you have your material delivered. You will need to turn over the ground by tilling or using other tools.

Work your soil about two to three inches. Rake out any debris or rocks. You may want to consider bringing in two to three inches of top soil to spread over the ground. This will be a few extra dollars but can benefit the sod in development of its roots.

This type of grass comes in rolls or squares. Sometimes if you have a large area, the rolls are easier to lay and manage. Once you feel confident the weeds are dead and under control, set up your delivery day.

Before the supplier delivers, water the entire surface. When the sod is delivered check for freshness. Look at the color and texture and and see if there is any moisture in the squares or rolls. The rolls or squares should not be dried out.

Usually sod farms will cut the sod the morning of the delivery to ensure you a top quality product.

Brown squares or rolls usually mean the sod has been sitting around for more then 24 hours. You are spending good hard earned money on this outdoor investment, so look for a nice rich color.

Now it is time to go ahead and lay it down. Whether you are doing squares or rolls, your objective is to make sure every piece is buttoned up as tight as it can be to the next one.

There is no set pattern to laying the squares or rolls down. You can go horizontally or vertically in your yard. It will be easier on you if you have one or two other people helping.

Any excess sod, can be removed with a sod knife or a sharp knife. Once the sod is down, fill a lawn roller one third full of water. Don't fill the roller full as you will not be able to push it.

Lawn rollers are available at most rental places. Your goal is to press the roots into the ground and to button up any loose seams. Try not to walk on the new lawn as the roots need time to get established.

Now to water. Irrigation systems work best on sod, but oscillators and hose spraying will work, if you are patient. Irrigation systems have timers which is ideal for working people. I recommend for the first week, watering once a day. The second through fourth week two to three times a week. This will all depend on your rain situation.

After a month, depending on weather, get into a water pattern that is consistent so your lawn will look green and lush. For a couple of weeks your lawn will look young but it won't it won't last long. You will wake up one morning and look out the window, to a beautiful green lawn.

These are very basic tips for either spreading seed or installing sod. Another tip to consider if you are building a home, or doing a total make over.

Builders will usually have landscape contractor putting in landscape beds and grass seed or sod. Glance through the landscape design building a home and landscaping, and get some ideas if you are considering using sod. Your landscape and lawn can be done at the same time.

I have been a contractor on both new homes and make overs. Time will play a role, but usually I recommend doing your landscape beds first and then lawn last.

If you are doing this project yourself, do all the prep work first on the entire area, plant, mulch, or pine straw, and then lay the sod or spread the grass seed. I hope this has given you a little insight on making your lawn one of the best outdoor features you own.