Every homeowner wants to have a good looking house both inside and outside. Although one might think that there are significantly more decorations produced for the interior of a home the truth is that modern technology has allowed production of many decorations for the exterior too. The yard usually takes the central place of the exterior and this area can definitely be organized and decorated to look good. One of the things people can use in the yard is sod. Sod is actually a turf. The soil under the grass is held together by roots or some other type of material. Sod can usually be found on special farms used for cultivating this interesting product. This is probably the easiest way to create a lawn. It is good to mention that there are many different types of sod and we will mention only some of the most popular ones.
Kentucky bluegrass is a really popular choice for those looking for sod – turf that can create the effect of a green lawn. This grass will turn brown or even yellow during hot summer days and that’s why it is usually used in cooler areas. High-traffic areas can also have negative impact on this type of sod. What is good is the fact that bluegrass can be revived quickly even after some serious abuse. It grows on full sun exposure and can tolerate shade of around 30%.
Fescue is another so-called cool winter sod type. It comes with ascending culms that can grow up to 3’. It can be easily recognized by its dark green leaves. What is interesting is that this sod grows really deep thanks to its long fibrous roots. Higher latitudes are the best natural environment for this type of sod. If there is enough moisture this sod can grow on almost all types of soil.
If you are living in an area with hot summers than you should go with Bahia. This warm seasons sod is most commonly found in coastal areas. It can resist extreme drought and it can grow in all types of soil including clay and sand.
Although there are some special installation techniques for some types of sod there are some general rules which can be applied for every type of sod.
Of course, the first thing you should do is to prepare the soil. Clean the area and remove any plants or traces of old grass. The next step is to lay topsoil over the lawn. Remember that you will need to spread it equally (use a rake). Once the topsoil is spread lay some lawn fertilizer. Finally, lay the sod. Try to apply it from the edges to the center. The edges are more prone to drying so it is best to use full pieces of sod there. The seams of the sod should be staggered in the same way people lay bricks. Tap the sod to remove any air pockets. Water the lawn every day for around 15 days.
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