Preparatory work

Technology for installation of sod in Toronto includes a number of preparatory works:

• Calculating the number of rolls. The area of the site (m) x 1.25 = Number of rolls.  For example, you want to do a lawn at home on an area of 80 sq.m. Multiply this figure by a coefficient of 1.25 to get 100 rolls of finished turf.
• Prepare the ground for laying. Carry out the clearing of old grass, weeds, stones and construction debris.
• Loosen the surface of the soil to a depth of 5-10 cm.
• Level the surface with a rake.
• Consolidate the soil with a lawn roller or other improvised means. Your task is to get the most even surface with the ground level 2 cm below the level of the paths.

Drainage arrangement

Drainage is necessary in order to eliminate the possibility of soil swamping in the future and increase the efficiency of irrigation. According to the technology of installation of sod, before starting work on the arrangement of drainage throughout the site is removed the topsoil, and on the prepared surface is laid gravel layer of 100 – 150 mm. On top of the gravel perform an embankment of the sand thickness of 100 mm. A good analog of sand is geotextile, which has high-performance properties. On top of the drainage, an embankment of soil with high fertility is made.

Adding fertilizer

Just a few days before the installation of sod in Toronto, a certain amount of useful additives, such as compound fertilizer, should be added to the soil.  They promote grass growth, so it much faster takes root in a new place. Such fertilizers can be peat, other minerals, and organic nutrients.

Self installation of sod in Toronto

• Turfing the area with sodding grass begins on the side where the rolls are located. This helps to minimize carry-over, soil crumbling and destruction of the root system. The bale begins to roll out gently in a straight line, gradually moving it around the site. Remember that it is forbidden to bend the edges of the roll. To circumvent the irregularities that are planned on the lawn with a lawn, use a cutter with a knife. Starting from the second row, all subsequent rows are laid in staggered order, and the rule should be followed: the joints of the different rows should not overlap with each other. All sections of rolls, lying next to each other, should be laid close to each other, but without overlaps and gaps. A person who will lay rolled turf by hand should move on a pre-prepared wooden planking. This will protect the lawn from deformation and will help to better compact it. Rolled turf after laying should not be exposed to any mechanical influences, so you should limit movement on it for a few weeks.

• If necessary, remove the edges of the lawn to shape it to match the plot boundary.
• After laying the first row, proceed to compact it. To perform this operation, use a lawn roller or a baler made of wooden boards on a special handle. If any bumps or cavities form, it is necessary to slightly lift the previously laid bale and sprinkle or remove the soil. At the end of this procedure, compact the lawn again.
• Once the work is completed, abundant watering should be done, which will allow the root system to better establish itself in the new soil. To check the degree of moistening, you need to lift the corner of the laid turf in a few places (10-12) across the site. The lawn is considered sufficiently moistened if it and the soil underneath it is 2-3 cm completely soaked with water.

When best to start installation of sod

The installation of sod can be done at any time of the year, but the best time for this is the middle of October. In this period of the year, the soil is not yet frozen and has not had time to absorb a lot of moisture. It is better to deliver turf bales to the place of work just before they start.

 Otherwise, the lawn may turn yellow from lack of nutrients and exposure to UV radiation. Grass in bales is also exposed to harmful microorganisms if stored for a long time.

Lawn care after installation of sod

Subsequent lawn care involves regular mowing and watering. The first mowing after laying can take place after 15-20 days. Be particularly careful when doing so.

The direction in which the grass is cut should be transverse to the direction in which the rolls have been laid. For a good rooting-in affect only the very top of the grass is mowed the first time. All grass cuttings must be raked up and removed from the surface of the lawn.

If there are weeds on the lawn, remove them by hand along with the root system. Before winter, mow the grass to a height of no more than 40 mm, which will ensure complete coverage with a layer of snow.

In order to have a perfect installation of sod in Toronto, it is enough to address the company “Captain Handy”. We have been working with lawns for many years and we know everything about lawns and landscaping. Just call our number and we will advise you in any matter.

Read our blog and call us Captain Handy!