Creating a thick, lush lawn in Florida is easily achievable by installing sod onto your lawn. However, it’s not as easy as just rolling the sod out and adding water. There are a few things to check off your list before having sod installed by a Central Florida sod farm, such as choosing the right sod for your property, ensuring all weeds are killed, and that your lawn is graded and your soil is as healthy as possible.
Choosing a Turfgrass
Not all lawns are created equal. The amount of shade or sun that your yard gets, the soil pH of your property, and the time you’re looking to put into maintenance are all factors that could dictate your turfgrass options. To see what kind of turfgrass would be best for your yard, check our article on the best types of turfgrass for Central Florida.
Taking Care of Weeds
Once you’ve chosen the type of sod you’ll be placing on your property it is time to start prepping. While a sod lawn will give you the instant look you desire, it can easily be penetrated by weeds during the first season if not prepared properly. Chemical weed killers can be a good option, as many commercial mixes are available to eradicate local varieties of weeds. However, many organic gardeners choose sun sterilization to kill off weeds by placing a plastic sheeting over the weeds to create heat underneath, sterilizing the soil.
Grading Your Property
For the best results out of any lawn, a property should never be completely flat. Property that slopes away from landmarks such as buildings, large trees, or sidewalks allows for water to slide away instead of pooling in low areas. Creating this gentle slope to your property by building up these areas can help eliminate huge puddles, which could cause lawn issues.
Soil Amendments
To get the best start for your sod installation, it is important to ensure your soil pH levels are compatible with your sod choice. A soil test can tell you the exact pH level, as well as nutrients that are present. Generally, a good pH level for sod placement is between 6.0 and 7.0. If your pH levels are low, you can raise them with the addition of limestone. Shredded mulch and compost also make good additions to soil before laying sod. They can add drainage to the soil and create nutrients as they decompose.