Getting sod installed is exciting. It’s an “instant lawn,” meaning you’ll have beautiful, mature grass to enjoy right away.
But if you’ve had sod installed on your property, then you know it was probably no small investment. For that reason, you want to do everything you can to ensure its integrity and long-term functionality.
One of the valuable services that is often performed is sod topdressing. This can have particular benefits for your new sod and can help ensure that you maximize the enjoyment and usability of your yard.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the things that you ought to know about topdressing sod and why it may be something to consider.
We’ll also share a few of our tips on caring for your new sod. We want to help set you up for success so that you can get the most out of your investment.
Topdressing is the act of spreading any sort of material over the top of the lawn. Here in Memphis, where we commonly have sod installed for new lawns, it is common to topdress a lawn with sand.
Even when the sod is laid well, there are almost always some gaps left as the grass grows and fills in. Sand helps to level out the lawn and fill in these gaps.
The key is to ensure that it’s a light layer, not a heavy covering. You do not want to choke out the grass with too much.
A smooth, even lawn without gaps is essential for achieving the proper cut height when mowing. Our grass types generally do require a lower cut height, and you can get a nice, smooth cut when everything is even.
When the lawn is uneven, you can end up with an uneven cut. This not only doesn’t look great, but it’s not optimally healthy for the grass.
Top dressing the sod with sand will also fill in low spots, thereby improving the overall functionality of a yard. Low spots or an overall uneven lawn can become tripping hazards. This can decrease usability.
Yes, it is beneficial to topdress your sod with a thin layer of sand for some of the reasons that we mentioned above.
Even when sod is laid correctly, there are almost always gaps. So, top dressing new sod can help fill in these gaps and avoid uneven spots. This can be beneficial for achieving a level cut during mowing and enhancing the yard's usability.
Top dressing new sod with a layer of sand can be beneficial to your lawn but it’s not the only thing that you should be doing. In general, proper sod care is going to be essential to the establishment and ongoing health of your sod.
It’s essential to consult with the sod installation company for specific recommendations on sod care. Proper watering will be imperative early on. Often, sod installation companies recommend watering the sod daily for a short duration. But be sure to get the precise recommendations for the type of sod you've installed.
There should also be specific recommendations regarding mowing. It’s generally advised to wait several weeks to mow after sod is installed. This is because mowing puts extra stress on the grass, and you do not want your grass to be stressed while establishing itself.
Once you do start mowing, be sure to practice good mowing habits. During the first mow, it will probably be advised to “cut higher” than usual, to minimize stress. You should always aim to cut no more than one-third of the grass blades at one time when mowing, as more than that can be stressful.
Most sod companies will also advise that you minimize any excessive wear and tear during this establishment period. When sod is brand new, this is not the optimal time for playing sports or yard games on it.
Ultimately, making sod improvements will also involve enrolling in a regular lawn care program that includes vital services such as fertilization and weed control. This will help to promote strong and healthy grass. Fertilizer plays a crucial role in promoting healthy root growth.
Your new sod must begin to firmly root itself in your yard so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.
The best time for topdressing sod is in the middle of the growing season. This would be May through August.
Generally speaking, you do not want to topdress a dormant lawn, as the material can sit on the surface and hinder the start of growth.
It’s essential to note that proper topdressing will be a key to success. There’s a lot more to this service than just haphazardly tossing down some sand. If the topdressing material is not applied evenly, it could defeat the purpose.
Additionally, overapplying the material can harm your lawn.
Topdressing can be laborious and time-consuming, and we believe it's best performed by a lawn care professional. This will free up your time and also ensure that it’s performed correctly.
Knowing that sod is a significant investment, you want to do everything possible to ensure you get the most out of it. The last thing that you want is for something to go wrong with your sod, causing you to have to replace one or more sections.
Topdressing new sod can be one of many essential lawn care services that helps to achieve a healthy lawn.
Of course, there’s much more involved in sod care than just topdressing. This is why it’s essential to partner with a professional lawn care expert.
At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we can not only help you with topdressing services but we can also perform fertilization and weed control to help ensure healthy sod. These services can all play a crucial role in helping you protect the long-term investment in your new lawn.
If you’re stressing about your sod, stop worrying and give Lawn & Pest Solutions a call. We can help you assess your sod and suggest a proper lawn care program to ensure your new yard receives the attention it needs.
Ready to learn why Lawn & Pest Solutions could be your choice for lawn care services in Memphis and North Mississippi? We’re excited to learn more about you and help you have the best lawn on the block. Get started today with a free quote. Together, we can create a customized plan that's tailored to your specific needs and lawn.