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Started By
Message
Landscapers of the OT need some help with laying Sod
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:44 pm
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:44 pm
What prep work needs to be done prior to laying sod?
Going to be laying about 400 square feet in a tree shaded backyard in mid-city with a very hard mud base. Planning to go with St. Augustine. What prep work needs to be done? I know the yard needs to be weeded but what else? Does the yard need to be tilled and fertilized. Also there are several exposed tree roots in the yard. Do they need any special attention?
Going to be laying about 400 square feet in a tree shaded backyard in mid-city with a very hard mud base. Planning to go with St. Augustine. What prep work needs to be done? I know the yard needs to be weeded but what else? Does the yard need to be tilled and fertilized. Also there are several exposed tree roots in the yard. Do they need any special attention?
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:46 pm to LSU5508
Cut everything out (grass, weeds, etc) then put Round Up down, wait 4 days and lay sod. You can use some "starter" fertilizer (I have with good results).
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:49 pm to LSU5508
til up the top 4" of earth you have. mix in some good top soil. Grade out your dirt smooth to get proper drainage. Lay your sod out, cross he seams over each other to not leave exposed lines. Water, Roll, and fertilize when done.
Easy stuff, just make sure you til up that top layer and add in some soil.
It's easier if you use the round up to kill everything existing then dig it out. Then the roundup is less in the soil.
Easy stuff, just make sure you til up that top layer and add in some soil.
quote:
Cut everything out (grass, weeds, etc) then put Round Up down, wait 4 days and lay sod
It's easier if you use the round up to kill everything existing then dig it out. Then the roundup is less in the soil.
This post was edited on 9/23/14 at 3:50 pm
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:50 pm to Wtodd
quote:Apply the round up first so the existing grass/weeds can absorb the chemical. Once it browns out, then remove it.
Cut everything out (grass, weeds, etc) then put Round Up down,
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:51 pm to LSU5508
Cut the existing weeds/grass as low as possible no need to kill the weeds, it doesnt matter. Make sure the dirt is as smooth as possible.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:52 pm to Geauxld Finger
quote:
Then the roundup is less in the soil
This makes no difference.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:53 pm to Geauxld Finger
quote:
Geauxld Finger
Pretty much what this guy said. I'll add that after scarifying soil, and adding topsoil, when you are raking and fine grading everything out make sure to pick out any rocks, dirt clods, concrete bits, and sticks bigger than, say, a golf ball.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:54 pm to fightin tigers
quote:wrong
Cut the existing weeds/grass as low as possible no need to kill the weeds, it doesnt matter
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:57 pm to sec13rowBBseat28
I can virtually guarantee that I have laid more sode than you.
If I haven't, than we probably know each other.
If I haven't, than we probably know each other.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:57 pm to LSU5508
quote:
Also there are several exposed tree roots in the yard. Do they need any special attention?
depends on how big and/or exposed they are and what type of tree.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:59 pm to Geauxld Finger
quote:
til up the top 4" of earth you have. mix in some good top soil. Grade out your dirt smooth to get proper drainage. Lay your sod out, cross he seams over each other to not leave exposed lines. Water, Roll, and fertilize when done.
Easy stuff, just make sure you til up that top layer and add in some soil.
What exactly is "good topsoil" got a brand?
Posted on 9/23/14 at 3:59 pm to Geauxld Finger
Since the OP's question has been answered...I laid three pallets of sod about 3.5-4 years ago and despite my work, ended up with a 30-50 sqft area that's slightly sloped and collects during the heavy rains.
As a result the St. Aug there isn't as strong and the soil is very compact. Solutions other than digging it up and leveling it out and resodding?
As a result the St. Aug there isn't as strong and the soil is very compact. Solutions other than digging it up and leveling it out and resodding?
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:01 pm to fightin tigers
quote:We might know each other then. And I will guarantee the advice you gave is bad advice.
I can virtually guarantee that I have laid more sode than you.
If I haven't, than we probably know each other.
edit: not unless your doing a half arse job
This post was edited on 9/23/14 at 4:03 pm
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:04 pm to sec13rowBBseat28
Wont tilling 4 inches down virtually pull all the surface weeds anyway? Just curious.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:04 pm to Golfer
quote:
Solutions other than digging it up and leveling it out and resodding?
Turn it into a landscape bed using plants that don't mind heavy soils and wet feet.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:10 pm to ChoupiqueSacalait
Also where does one get a tiller for short term use?
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:10 pm to LSU5508
quote:It will, but there's no way your going to eliminate all of the roots, stolon's, rhizomes, tubers, etc. Spray it with round-up and let the herbicide kill everything down to the root.
Wont tilling 4 inches down virtually pull all the surface weeds anyway?
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:12 pm to LSU5508
quote:
Also where does one get a tiller for short term use?
Home Depot or a place like AAA Rent All in BR.
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:14 pm to LSU5508
quote:
What exactly is "good topsoil" got a brand?
a good organic soil. doesn't have to be Miraclegro brand or anything. you might be able to get a small load delivered to your house, or go get like 20-30 bags in your truck at home depot
Posted on 9/23/14 at 4:14 pm to Golfer
Thanks guys last question is how does one till a yard with multiple trees? Will the roots get in the way?
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