Sod Installation And Repair

Have you ever witnessed a neighbor's lawn turn from dry dirt to healthy grass seemingly overnight? Suddenly, a healthy lawn that looks like it took years of fertilization and attentive maintenance seems to materialize from thin air. Chances are that a professional sod installation made the drastic transformation possible. The premade rolls consist of high-quality grass and are soil-bound with a biodegradable material or a naturally produced root system. Otherwise known as 'turf,' sod is a magical alternative to lengthy seeding processes.

Sometimes pre-grown additions are less durable than grown-in options, which begs the question, is sod better than grass? While they both have their place, sod is undoubtedly the better choice for residential and commercial establishments looking for immediate, low-maintenance lawns. New seedlings can take months to establish compared to the mere 2–3 weeks of instant turf. Sodding also withstands foot traffic better, requires substantially less watering, and excels at mitigating dust and preventing soil erosion. Since it is pre-grown by masterclass farmers, you do not have to worry about growing a perfect lawn from seedlings without in-depth knowledge or research.

St. Augustine grass, Bahia grass, and Centipede grass are the most common turfs in Florida; however, the former is not well-suited for dry spells, and the latter is adopted mainly for North Florida. Though we typically experience our fair share of rainfall, more than 43.1% of Florida is abnormally dry, and droughts are not unheard of. In fact, weather records show that the state experienced at least one severe, widespread drought every decade. As a result, sod is particularly favorable in Southwest Florida due to its heat-absorbing capabilities.

Many homeowners underestimate the expense of a well-kept lawn. In truth, 40–60% of household water in Florida is dedicated to irrigating urban landscapes. Since it does not need to be watered as often as seeded grass, you can drastically reduce water consumption. According to experts, sod-based crop rotation is an invaluable strategy for maximizing energy savings. It's been used as a tool for crop sustainability thanks to its dense roots and natural drought resistance. In addition, it has general air-cooling properties by capturing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, which simultaneously improves air quality.

Sod is undoubtedly easier to maintain than seeded grass; proper installation is essential to create a stable foundation free of weeds and disease. It cannot be implemented on existing grass, and the base soil must meet specific requirements. For example, the soil's pH should be slightly acidic, between 6 and 7.5 on the pH scale, and well aerated to ensure optimal growth conditions. Improper installation can cause unattractive bald patches or weed-prone gaps between sheets of grass. For the best results, hire the professionals at Heartland Design And Outdoor Living to prepare the soil and determine the most suitable turf species for the present environmental conditions. Contact us today to learn more about our sod installation and additional landscaping services.