How to Keep Sod From Dying- Must Try Attempts

If you have a lawn in your private home or your organization, you probably want to grow sod. Now, what is sod? Sod is also known as Turf. It is simply a piece of grass that has a small part of the soil beneath. It holds the ground by its root, or in some cases, it lies on a thin layer of biodegradable material.

It looks like a green carpet. Here arises a question, how to keep sod from dying? Well, there are various solutions to keep them alive. I’ll briefly discuss it here and hope you will be benefited from the discussion.

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How To Keep Sod From Dying

It is very essential for you to know how to keep sod from dying? First, let us know briefly about sod. Basically, sod is used in these places:

In lawns of private homes, organizations, schools, etc.
In front of the restaurants.
In golf courses.
In sports stadiums.
In some cases, also on a rooftop garden.

Why Is Sod Used For?

Sod is very useful to avoid dust on your lawn. It also protects the soil from washing away due to rain. Where you cannot use seeds for growing grasses, you can easily use sod Because it is delivered in the square shape or roll format. You don’t need to take massive preparations like growing plants from seeds.

You just order it, and it will be delivered ready to plant.

How To Grow Sod?

To grow sod, at first, you have to choose a land that doesn’t hold rainwater for a long time. Then it will be muddy, and your sod will die quickly. You can install sod in any season like summer, rainy season, winter, or fall. But if you don’t know how to take proper care of sod to keep them alive, they can die.

You have to maintain an appropriate schedule of watering, fertilizing, etc. for how to keep sod from dying and do the task accordingly. Such as:

1. Preparing The Soil

First, do a soil test. If your ground is alright, then measure the area that you will be sodding. If your land is too hard, it can’t hold water and dry out quickly. Then your sod will die due to lack of water.

Before installing the sod, just give a little digging in your soil and make it lose. Remove existing rocks, weeds, grass, and debris from that area. It will help the sod to root easily.

2. Select Your Grass Type

If you already have grass on your lawn, you can choose the same species of sod. If you want to start from scratch, have a proper type of sod that can match your soil and weather conditions. There are different kinds of sod.

If you live in a warmer area, St. Augustine, Zoysia, Carpet, Bahia, Buffalo, Bermuda, Kikuyu, and Centipede are best for you. Otherwise, if you live in a colder area, Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, and Rye-grass are the best option. Also, you can use wheatgrass and Canada bluegrass in colder regions.

3. How To Install Sod

Measure the area of sodding and find out how much sod you need and order accordingly.
Unroll sod and tightly butt the edges against each other.
Stretch a little while placing the sod.
Avoid gaps and overlaps for a better look.
If there is any gap on the edges, cut the sod into pieces, and lay to the differences.
Sod can be cut with almost any knife. But a utility knife is the best.
Trim the edges of the whole area to give a better look.

4. Watering

First 3 to 5 days from installation, water them twice a day.
Next 10 days, water them once a day.
After that, water every other day.
You have to keep in mind that you don’t have to water it if heavy rainfalls.
You have to keep the top half-inch moist to prevent them from drying.
After two weeks, reduce the water level to ¼ inch.

5. Mowing

It usually takes two weeks for sod lines to disappear. After two weeks of installation, mow for the first time if the sod is about 4 inches or higher. Remember that don’t cut more than ½ inches during every mowing.

6. Fertilizing

Initially, you don’t have to fertilize the sod. Don’t use chemical fertilizer. It could damage sod. After one month, you can use an organic fertilizer like Milogranite or Ironite. Use your hand or a spreader machine to spread fertilizer evenly. Don’t spread a massive amount of fertilizer.

7. Some Other Maintenance

Besides those, you have to take some extra precautions to keep sod from dying. Such as:

Don’t overstep randomly on sod after a new installation. It can make your sod die in those places.
If you have walked over to it, use a thin road, or use a plank to step on it.
For at least the first two weeks, keep your pet aside from play and urinate on it because its urine is harmful to newly growing sod.
If you notice fungus on your sod, use a proper fungicide on it and spread it. But be careful about the dose of fungicide.
If you also notice any brownish area in sod, that means there is a lack of water. So, water that area and keep the sod moist.

Final Verdict

Sod is one of the easiest, quickest and useful ways to establish a lawn. It usually takes minimum maintenance to survive. It reduces heat and adds value to your home or organization. And I think you already know how to keep sod from dying. You have to be a little careful and do all the necessities to keep them alive.

Don’t hurry to install it without knowing anything. After a few days, it will be a precious playground for your kids. If you want, you can also make a beautiful garden by making good plans. It will be a great joy for you and your family. You also could enjoy passing the time by sitting on it with your family and pets.