What you need to know about your new sod...
We would like to take this opportunity to share some information with you that will assist you in preparing for and caring for your new yard. The process of grading and sod for your new home is a complex one. The builder and landscape company work closely to complete each lot so that the homeowners can begin to enjoy their purchase.
Scheduling:
Due to the weather sensitive nature of this project, scheduling can often be a challenge. Factors that affect the schedule of when each lot is completed are weather and soil conditions, sidewalk installations, material availability and adjoining property construction. We aim to complete each lot in a reasonable sequence. We may need to adjust the order of which homes are done first from time to time. Ultimately, the landscape contractor determines the final schedule. The builder may not be aware of the specific date that each home will be finished.
Before the work is done:
We recommend that each homeowner prepare for their new grass by having hoses and sprinklers on hand in advance so that they are ready to water the yard as soon as the sod is in place. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to water their grass. It is wise to make arrangements with a neighbor or family member to water if it is not possible for the homeowner to be there. Please make sure that personal items such as lawn furniture, toys, play equipment, plants and garden accessories are cleared from the property so that the crew can begin to prepare the property for grass.
Care of the new sod:
During the hot summer months, sod can dry out quickly and shrink causing gaps between the rolls and ultimately killing the sod. That is why watering within the first hour is imperative. Do not wait until the evening to water new grass.The amount of water necessary to activate the sod varies throughout the season. To check if you have watered enough, just lift a piece of sod. If the water puddles under the grass, you may move the sprinkler to a new section. If the soil under the grass is still dry or damp, keep watering. The water must be allowed to pass completely through the sod in order for the sod to root. Keep the yard wet for the first 2 weeks. While the yard is wet, do not walk on or roll it.The preparation of the yard has loosened and disturbed the ground. It will take about 3 weeks to set and firm up. Walking on new sod will cause footprints and indentations on the lawn. It is not necessary to fertilize your grass during the first year. The sod has already been treated at the farm. When the grass has grown to a length that requires cutting, it has begun to root and it is safe to cut and water normally.
After the work is done:
Please be advised that after the lot has been finished, a final inspection is done. This process could take several weeks depending on the schedule of the engineers and building inspectors. Homeowners should be aware that any changes they make to the grade will void the guarantee on the work and will make themselves accountable should the lot not pass inspection.
Customizing your property:
When planning to customize your lot, keep in mind that any interruption of drainage could cause negative results. The issue of standing water is an important one. With the concern of mosquito born illness such as West Nile and general property damage, it is vital that sheds, fences, decks, walkways, pools and decorative landscaping are constructed according to drainage guidelines. If you are planning a project, you may contact your local municipal building department to determine which factors require consideration.
It is wise to hire a professional contractor who has experience in drainage in order to protect from problems that could arise from improperly installed accessories. We often can refer you to qualified and competent contactors that will provide quality service and value.
Other services:
In addition to consultations, we also offer decorative landscape services that will accent your yard and enhance your home. Many projects can be completed at same time as the grading and sod. There is usually a considerable cost savings when we coordinate the two projects.
Scheduling:
Due to the weather sensitive nature of this project, scheduling can often be a challenge. Factors that affect the schedule of when each lot is completed are weather and soil conditions, sidewalk installations, material availability and adjoining property construction. We aim to complete each lot in a reasonable sequence. We may need to adjust the order of which homes are done first from time to time. Ultimately, the landscape contractor determines the final schedule. The builder may not be aware of the specific date that each home will be finished.
Before the work is done:
We recommend that each homeowner prepare for their new grass by having hoses and sprinklers on hand in advance so that they are ready to water the yard as soon as the sod is in place. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to water their grass. It is wise to make arrangements with a neighbor or family member to water if it is not possible for the homeowner to be there. Please make sure that personal items such as lawn furniture, toys, play equipment, plants and garden accessories are cleared from the property so that the crew can begin to prepare the property for grass.
Care of the new sod:
During the hot summer months, sod can dry out quickly and shrink causing gaps between the rolls and ultimately killing the sod. That is why watering within the first hour is imperative. Do not wait until the evening to water new grass.The amount of water necessary to activate the sod varies throughout the season. To check if you have watered enough, just lift a piece of sod. If the water puddles under the grass, you may move the sprinkler to a new section. If the soil under the grass is still dry or damp, keep watering. The water must be allowed to pass completely through the sod in order for the sod to root. Keep the yard wet for the first 2 weeks. While the yard is wet, do not walk on or roll it.The preparation of the yard has loosened and disturbed the ground. It will take about 3 weeks to set and firm up. Walking on new sod will cause footprints and indentations on the lawn. It is not necessary to fertilize your grass during the first year. The sod has already been treated at the farm. When the grass has grown to a length that requires cutting, it has begun to root and it is safe to cut and water normally.
After the work is done:
Please be advised that after the lot has been finished, a final inspection is done. This process could take several weeks depending on the schedule of the engineers and building inspectors. Homeowners should be aware that any changes they make to the grade will void the guarantee on the work and will make themselves accountable should the lot not pass inspection.
Customizing your property:
When planning to customize your lot, keep in mind that any interruption of drainage could cause negative results. The issue of standing water is an important one. With the concern of mosquito born illness such as West Nile and general property damage, it is vital that sheds, fences, decks, walkways, pools and decorative landscaping are constructed according to drainage guidelines. If you are planning a project, you may contact your local municipal building department to determine which factors require consideration.
It is wise to hire a professional contractor who has experience in drainage in order to protect from problems that could arise from improperly installed accessories. We often can refer you to qualified and competent contactors that will provide quality service and value.
Other services:
In addition to consultations, we also offer decorative landscape services that will accent your yard and enhance your home. Many projects can be completed at same time as the grading and sod. There is usually a considerable cost savings when we coordinate the two projects.