Although natural stones and concrete had become a popular choice, especially when the no-grass trend came into play, lush green grass is still a very popular choice as many homeowners return to nature and want to implement more natural elements. Spring is around the corner! Many homeowners are looking forward to incorporating or replacing their existing turf. In today’s article, we will be highlighting a few factors to help landscaping professionals and landscape contractors choose the right sod for their clients. 

Preparation and soil conditions

 Before we get into the details on how to choose quality sod, it is essential to know which measures to put into practice to prepare the landscape and evaluate soil conditions. Generally speaking, there are two different circumstances landscaping professionals, and landscape contractors may be faced with. The first circumstance is dealing with existing lawn grass. The second circumstance is if dealing with new construction, therefore, no existing turf. When faced with existing turf, it is recommended to prepare the landscape by removing the existing grass, debris, weeds, large stones or rocks, and lawn ornaments. When faced with a new construction project, it is recommended to remove any weeds, clay, large stones, or rocks as well. The main difference is that both drainage and final grade should be completed before any soil or sod is applied with a new build or construction project. When it comes to soil conditions, acidity levels are critical. The pH of the soil can either be the downfall or survival of the freshly laid sod. The goal is to achieve maximum lush growth; therefore, collecting a few samples and testing the acidity before any applications is best. 

Discuss these three things with your client

When choosing the proper sod for your client, it is important to discuss water maintenance, sunlight exposer, and foot traffic. Not all grass is the same. Certain types will flourish with minimal supervision, low sunlight, and can withstand heavy foot traffic while others may not. Understanding your client’s needs, lifestyle, or household will help you choose the right sod for their landscape. 

How to choose the right sod

The sod should be roughly 1 inch thick. Anything less than that indicates that the roots are not entirely developed or strong enough to produce a lush lawn. A helpful tip is to check the underside of the sod for thick roots that spread out throughout the entire piece. Another useful tip is to feel the sod and make sure it is damp to the touch. Damp sod indicates that it is fresh, well maintained, and more likely to thrive. It is also essential when choosing sod to pick rolled pieces instead of flat slabs. The reason is, rolled pieces maintain the grass on the inside, keeping the delicate grass blades well protected. Lastly, do not go cheap! Even if it is discounted, yellow or brown patches will not provide a healthy lush lawn. Rolled pieces should be vibrant green and have no present weeds.     

When in doubt, ask the professionals! At FSI Landscape Supply, we support landscaping professionals and landscape contractors with an assortment of landscaping necessities and supplies, including sod and artificial turf. Contact us today for more information!