One of our specialties at Mirage Landscaping is new sod installation, which always freshens up a yard or commercial property. There’s nothing like a flawless expanse of green to cause someone to slow down and really enjoy their surroundings. It can seem like an expense, but the reality is that a new sod installation not only looks great, but can also help reduce the amount of time needed for maintenance as well as the overall cost of upkeep. A healthy lawn does not need regular weeding, patching, and applications of herbicide as an unhealthy lawn, and also does not require as much water to keep looking good. Great landscaping is also proven to raise the value of your property.
Sod Installation Starts With Excellent Preparation
Putting down sod to repair smaller areas rarely ends up blending in properly. We highly recommend that “sod jobs” be the entirety of a property, such as all of a front yard, all of a backyard, or both. You will end up with a much better overall look, plus your new lawn will have much more longevity.
The hardest and most time-consuming part of a sod installation, but also one of the most rewarding, is the site preparation.
- We will first mark any underground sprinklers to ensure they are not damaged throughout the process.
- Then we remove all of the old sod using a “shaver” for evenness.
- After that we will rototill thoroughly, ensuring to remove all surface roots and rocks.
- Rototilling should result in a two-inch depth of topsoil. If there is not enough available topsoil we will add some until we reach the desired amount.
- The topsoil will be thoroughly raked, then tested for quality.
- We are experts at grading, creating slopes that are easy to maintain but also allow for proper runoff.
- To finish, we will roll out the topsoil to provide a perfectly smooth surface. This means no bumps, lumps, or divots and the feel of a golf course fairway.
The Fun Part …
Not surprisingly, the actual sod installation is the most fun part of the job for us. In order for sod to be successful, it must be installed within 12 hours of delivery. Our crew will be there ready and waiting upon delivery in order to get started as quickly as possible.
First we will prep the soil with a slight sprinkling of water to encourage roots to reach down, penetrate and establish.
The first roll will be made alongside something straight, such as your pathway, sidewalk, or driveway. This ensures that it and the following pieces will be as straight as possible.
Sod should be laid in a brickwork pattern, staggering the edges of each row. This allows for a stronger establishment of the sod and a more seamless appearance.
If necessary, on sloped areas we will use pins to keep the sod in place. Each piece of sod will be positioned as snugly as possible next to the others.
If there are any uneven edges, we will trim them to keep them clean and straight and avoid any ragged edges.
Once the sod has been laid we roll it with a lawn roller to remove air pockets and ensure your sod is in good contact with the soil.
Watering Your Sod
Mirage has a commercial watering truck as part of our fleet, which makes watering new sod easy for us. New sod should be watered to at least an inch deep the first time, which is difficult to do with just a sprinkler. The new roots require consistent moisture to encourage them to penetrate deep down into the soil. New sod should be watered thoroughly each day for at least a week to ten days after installation. Our customizable watering program can assist you in getting this done properly.
New sod should also be allowed to grow slightly longer than you would normally allow your grass to grow before it is cut – to approximately four inches in height. For your first mow, ensure your mower’s blade is clean and sharp. This not only provides a beautiful look, but also reduces the chance of tearing and weakening the grass.
You should also do your best to keep foot traffic to a minimum on your new sod for at least a month.
Install Underground Irrigation at the Same Time
If you are considering a new sod installation, consider having underground irrigation installed at the same time. When we prep for the new sod it is an ideal time to lay down the pipe and dig in the sprinklers. Plus, your new sod will thank you for consistent and even watering by flourishing.
Count on Mirage Landscaping for All Your Property Maintenance Needs
Our family-owned company has been specializing in helping property owners throughout Calgary keep their homes and businesses looking great for low prices. For three generations, we’ve been delivering affordable services that exceed customer expectations. You can familiarize yourself with our work by browsing our online portfolio of successful past projects.
We are pleased to offer custom quotes that allow you to put together a uniquely designed service package, according to your specific needs. Simply use our online form, enter your information and project details, and one of our team members will perform an evaluation and get in touch with you to offer a low and affordable price quote. It’s fast and easy!