3 Factors to Consider Before Investing in Sod

August 18, 2025

Investing in sod can be a transformative decision for your outdoor space, offering immediate aesthetic appeal and potential long-term benefits. However, the decision to lay sod is not one to be taken lightly. There are several factors to consider to ensure that your investment flourishes into a lush, vibrant lawn. Understanding these nuances can help you make an informed decision that meets both your landscaping goals and budgetary constraints.


1. Climate Compatibility


The first factor to consider is the climate compatibility of the sod you choose. Not all sod varieties are suitable for every climate. For example, we've found that Kentucky Bluegrass thrives in cooler climates, while Bermuda grass is more suited for warmer environments. Selecting the wrong type of sod can lead to poor growth and can increase the likelihood of pest problems, resulting in more maintenance and cost over time. Conducting thorough research or consulting with a local expert can help you identify the best sod type for your region.


2. Soil Preparation


Soil preparation is another critical factor in the success of your sod project. The existing soil should be properly prepared to ensure that the sod can establish itself effectively. This involves testing the soil for pH and nutrient levels, removing weeds, and amending the soil as needed. According to This Old House, each 1,000 square feet of a healthy lawn contains about a million plants, which underscores the importance of soil preparation in supporting a dense and thriving lawn. Without proper preparation, your new sod may struggle to take root, leading to patchy growth and increased maintenance needs.


3. Maintenance


Initial and ongoing maintenance is also a factor that should not be overlooked. After installation, sod requires diligent watering to establish roots and promote healthy growth. Once established, a regular maintenance routine, which includes mowing, fertilizing, and aerating, is necessary to keep the lawn in optimum condition. Many homeowners underestimate the effort involved in maintaining a beautiful lawn, which can lead to unsatisfactory results and additional costs in the long run. Therefore, realistic evaluation of your availability and willingness to maintain your lawn is crucial before making an investment in sod.


While investing in sod can greatly enhance the beauty and value of your property, careful consideration of climate, soil preparation, and maintenance needs are essential to making this investment worthwhile. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that your sod installation results in a lush, green lawn that you can enjoy for years to come. Thoughtful planning and realistic expectations are the keys to a successful sod project. For more information contact DeBuck's Sod Farm of Wisconsin, Inc today.

3 Factors to Consider Before Investing in Sod
By 7016442448 June 18, 2025
WATER……… WATER…… WATER……. We can’t express it enough!  During these hot months, especially mid-July through August, it’s crucial to make sure your sod is getting plenty of water and is kept as cool as possible. Below is our recommendation for watering before, during and after your sod installation. BEFORE SOD INSTALLATION: We cut your order the day of installation. We do this to help ensure you are getting the freshest cut and a fighting chance to beat the heat. We usually recommend that you lay your sod within 24 hours but during these high temps, you will want to lay out the sod ASAP. Sod is cut at its roots and rolled up therefore it dries out quickly and creates heat within the roll if it is not laid out fast. This will cause your sod to burn out and turn brown. You may want to water the ground 24-48 hours before install to help keep the roots cool and absorb more water. DURING INSTALLATION: Once you have finished laying a section of sod, you will want to start watering that thoroughly, soaking the sod all the way through and beneath the ground. After you are done laying each section you will want to let the water run until both the sod and soil are sponge-like and squishy. THE NEXT TWO WEEKS: This time is very crucial to keep the sod wet. After the first big dose of water you must continue to water regularly. Most homeowners will water their sods but not long or deeply enough. Keep watering so that it gets down to the roots and soil. Double check that all areas, especially corners, and edges are getting plenty of water. Never let the sod dry out. If the sod does not get enough water, it will turn blonde and burn out. This does not mean that it’s past saving but means you better get out there with lawn sprinklers and protect that investment!
April 25, 2025
Spring Lawn Care: Tips for a Lush, Green Lawn Spring is here, and it's time to get your lawn ready for the season! Whether you're a lawn care veteran or a newbie, these tips will help you achieve a beautiful, healthy lawn that will make your neighbors green with envy. 1. Let Your Lawn Soak Up the Sunshine As temperatures start to rise, give your lawn some time to soak up the sunshine. Be patient and allow it to wake up from its dormant state. Soon, you'll see the grass getting greener and more vibrant. 2. Rake Away Fall Leaves and Debris Start by raking any fall leaves and debris. This will allow light and fresh air to reach the blades of grass, promoting healthy growth. A clean lawn is a happy lawn! 3. Hold Off on Fertilizer and Weed Killer If you applied fertilizer or weed killer before the sod went dormant in the fall, you probably won't need to apply more just yet. Over-fertilizing can stress the grass and hinder its growth. Give it some time to recover naturally. 4. Address Bare Spots If you're dealing with bare spots and want quick results, contact us! We can help you figure out how much sod you need to re-sod or recommend the best seed to apply. We're here to ensure your lawn looks its best. 5. Tune Up Your Lawn Mower Before you start mowing, make sure your lawn mower is in top shape. Sharpen the blades, change the oil, check the air filter and spark plug, and fuel up. Refer to your owner's manual for specific maintenance instructions. 6. Watering New Sod Proper watering is crucial for new sod. In the first two weeks, keep the sod moist by watering it at least twice a day. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Gradually reduce the frequency of watering as the sod establishes 1. 7. Mowing New Sod Wait until the new sod has rooted well before mowing. Typically, this is around two to three weeks after installation. Ensure your mower blades are sharp to avoid tearing the grass 2. 8. Fertilizing New Sod Fertilize your new sod about six weeks after installation. Use a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Avoid applying too much fertilizer, as this can burn the grass 3. 9. Weed Control Be cautious with weed control products on new sod. Wait until the sod is well-established before applying any herbicides. This usually means waiting at least six weeks 2. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood !
sod installation
November 25, 2024
Are you interested in sod installation? In this article, we discuss how landscapers can benefit from sod installation. Read on to learn more.