Lawn care is a constant dance of maintenance and layered steps. Laying sod is the first big push but even an idea as simple as that has a lot of detail you can miss if you don’t pay attention.
When laying sod, there are a few steps to the process. The big question on whether fertilizer comes in before the sod comes down is an important one.
Let’s break down fertilizer’s role when laying sod and what steps you need to do to make sure you get your lawn growing.
Laying Sod After the Fertilizer?
The first big question! Should you lay down fertilizer before laying sod? The quick and easy answer is yes. The next question becomes, what kind of fertilizer is best for your sod?
Let’s break down the basics.
Fertilizer Basics
Fertilizer comes in a wide variety of types depending on their overall chemical layout. Each label of fertilizer will have a 3 number analysis, the first number being nitrogen, the second number being phosphorus, and the third number being potassium.
Slow-release fertilizer can be a great benefit to laying sod, as it stretches out the nutrients to allow for the sod to worm its way into the ground.
- Starter Fertilizer
There are some fertilizers that help with the sod laying process. These often have a heavier concentration of phosphorous to start the growing process for the sod.
After phosphorous stimulates the sod seeds to take root and grow, nitrogen can then come in to push vibrant growth in the sod itself. Nitrogen comes later, so does not need a powerful presence. Often a well-balanced fertilizer mix can be 6-20-20.
- Testing and Tilling
You will need more than the right kind of fertilizer if you want your lawn ready for laying sod. Use a rototiller or similar tool to break up any hard clumps of dirt. Make sure to keep an eye out for rocks or older roots from previous plants.
Soil testing can also help to understand the perfect balance of fertilizer you may need. Soil testing kits are easy to find in most gardening supply sellers.
Finally, make sure you flatten out your lawn before any planting. Uneven soil can disrupt the sod.
- Gypsum
A final addition to the fertilizer process is gypsum. This powder can help to stimulate all sorts of growth in your lawn and pairs well with most fertilizers. Use it only as suggested as too much can clog up your roots but too little is a waste of valuable product.
The Professional Touch
The process of laying sod can be a nice DIY project but it is a vital part of your lawn growing process. Sometimes you want to ensure that the job is in the best hands for your lawn’s future.
To get the best lawn care and installation services money can buy, none can beat ISR Gardening Inc. Contact them today for a quote on your lawn project!
Keeping Up With the World Around You
With good fertilizer and the right process, laying sod can be a fast and easy part of lawn care. With a closer look into those important details and materials, we hope you are ready and eager to dive into your new lawn project.
Whether you are reading up on more lawn care, digging into business, or curious about any number of different subjects, there is an article for you. Check out our other articles today!
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