Name: Tranquil Scapes Landscaping
Address: San Mateo, CA
Telephone: (650) 414-0569

Tips for Sod Installation

Revamping your lawn can seem daunting, but knowing how to lay sod over existing lawn can be a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a very lush, green landscape.

How to lay sod over existing lawn in San Mateo, CA

Prepare the Existing Lawn

Before laying sod over your current lawn, preparation is key. Start by trimming the grass. Cut it as short as possible using a mower. Remove any debris such as rocks and sticks.

Trim grass short
Remove debris like rocks and sticks

This ensures that the new sod will have good contact with the soil beneath.

Fertilize and Water the Area

Next, fertilize your lawn to provide essential nutrients for root growth. Use a starter fertilizer specifically designed for new sod installation. Lightly water the area after fertilizing.

Apply a starter fertilizer
Lightly water the soil

This will help in promoting root establishment once the sod is laid.

How to lay sod over existing lawn in San Mateo, CA

Lay the Sod Carefully

Now it’s time to lay down your fresh sod. Start at one edge of your lawn and work your way across, aligning each piece tightly against the next one without overlapping.

Begin at one edge of your lawn
Tightly align each piece of sod

This method prevents gaps that would allow weeds to grow between sod pieces.

The Importance of Proper Watering and Aftercare

After laying down your sod, water it immediately to help the roots establish themselves in the soil. During the first two weeks, ensure consistent moisture by watering daily or more if conditions are particularly dry. Avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot and other issues. The goal is to keep the top couple of inches of soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mow your new lawn for the first time once it reaches about 3-4 inches in height. Use a sharp mower blade and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at once.