Many homeowners and business owners will be preparing their landscapes for the spring. Do you feel that your lawn needs some attention? You might consider putting in some sod or calling professionals if your grass is looking duller or less healthy than last year.

Different types of sod

• Centipedes: Usually found in warmer regions.
• St. Augustine: A popular, thicker grass that needs some maintenance.
• Bermuda: A thick grass that needs a lot of sun. It is used as turf.
• Zoysia: A high-quality grass that needs some care. You can grow it best in regions with lower temperatures.

Decide which type of sod you prefer.

There are many factors that will determine which type of sod is best for your yard.

• Temperature: Are you in an area with little or no rain? Some grasses will thrive, while others will not.
• Uses: Is this a place that receives a lot of foot traffic or spreads over a large area?
• Sun exposure: Certain types of sod need lots of sunlight. Do you live in a sunny region?
• Management: Do you have the time, or are you prepared to hire someone to maintain your yard?

Preparation

Prepare your soil for sod by raking the yard and removing any rocks or pebbles. Make sure your yard is level and flat. A starter fertilizer can be added in liquid or granular forms.

DIY?

You might be able to manage the project yourself if you only need to install sod in a very small area. If you don't have any experience installing sod before, it is best to leave large-scale landscape projects to professionals.

Maintenance

There are several ways to encourage new sod to take root in the ground.

• Keep the sod moist until it establishes roots and grows one inch per week during the growing season.
• Next, ensure that you do not allow foot traffic to the area during the first few days. This is essential for root formation.
• Let it grow. This is the best time to let it grow. Allow the sod to grow naturally for the first few weeks.