How To Install A New Lawn

Introduction To Installing A New Lawn...

Installing a new lawn for many can be a back breaking task and many questions arise when looking out onto your yard area to see an empty plot or an overgrow lawn area that has been neglected to the point of no return. This article will attempt to answer some of the many questions I have answered from homeowners about installing a new lawn from sod.

Do I Have to Remove the Old Lawn...

Yes, You must remove the old lawn. Removing the old lawn will ensure that when you plant the new lawn the roots can penetrate through the old green layer. Typically a lawn removal should be to a depth of 2-3 inches, you must consider the grade at which your yard currently sits and the volume of soil that you must install for your new lawn. In some special cases where you may add a layer of new soil without being above grade, you may leave the existing lawn in place. New lawns will require a minimum depth of 3 inches of a well draining soil, rich in nutrients. Most lawn removals can be completed with the use of sod cutter, using a bobcat and an excavator in difficult to access yards may be a hazard and may create more work than initially planned.

Soil For The New Lawn...

Soil for your new lawn is extremely important to plant health and good growing conditions. Your new lawn will see much better growth over the years if a quality top soil is installed. In many cases the more expensive the soil, the better quality.

The ideal lawn should be constructed with at least 3" of a well draining topsoil. The soil itself should contain at least 70% sand and the sub grade should be self draining. Soils that contain high volumes of wood chips and organic matter should be avoided. Soils that contain paper recycling waste and have a strong odor should be avoided as well. In most cases topsoil today is manufactured from compost, be sure to ask your supplier the contents of the soil and ensure the composting process is complete. A soil analysis with a neutral ph balance should be requested from your supplier.

Type of Sod or Seed...

Sod or also know as turf is the preferred method of installing a new lawn. Sod can be installed year round and turf farms are open to supply year round.

The variety of grass seed or sod to use will depend on:

1. The use of your lawn area. This includes the amount of traffic that your lawn area is subjected to, including pets and children.

2. The quantity of sunlight that your lawn area receives. Full sunlight areas should receive at least 70% of the daily sunlight.

3. The seasonal temperatures in your climate.

In most cases turf that comes from a sod farm or supplier will carry a variety of sod that is ideal for residential usages. Sod farms will grow varieties of grasses that fair well for new lawns with heavy traffic and shade. In some cases specialty grasses are available for low maintenance. Be sure to ask...

How To Install the Sod...

Installing a new lawn can be completed with these easy steps:

1. Lay the turf out in a brickwork fashion, meaning stagger the rolls so the seams do not match at the top of the sod rolls. Start in a straight line.

2. Butt all edges together tightly. Doing a little extra work and spending a little extra time pulling the joints of the turf rolls together will ensure the grass covers all of the soil. If you leave gaps between the turf rolls, weeds may grow in the bare patches of soil. Sod installation can be a difficult task if you don't spend the time to do it properly.

3. Cut all overlapping pieces into place with a sharp knife. You may use the scraps to fill in other bare patches. Sod seams will grow together over time. You do not have to waste any extra turf pieces.

4. Water the sod as you install. Do not let the turf dry out at any point. If the sod is allowed to dry out, shrinkage may occur on the seams and the turf may die. Installing sod on a hot day may require frequent watering so be sure you are prepared in advance.

5. Roll the new lawn after you complete laying turf.

Installing a new lawn can be a very rewarding task and offers instant beautification to any property.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6808640