Change the look of your yard overnight by installing sod.
Newly-laid sod can bring instant life and beauty to your yard, but if it isn't properly cared for, pieces may begin to dry and curl up. Sod that curls up has often had improper preparation, placement or insufficient water levels. Don't worry about a few patches or brown spots on your newly-laid sod. As long as the sod hasn't completely dried out, you can revive individual pieces with a little work. Does this Spark an idea?
Soil Issues
Sod needs a good connection to the soil to grow successfully. Break up the top 4 to 6 inches of soil with a rototiller to help the sod pieces combine with your existing soil. Roots grow better through loose soil than through densely packed layers of soil.
Placement Issues
Sod not placed close together may start to dry out and curl up. Ensure your sod rests as closely together as possible to prevent extra sun and heat from reaching the roots and curling up the edges of your sod pieces. When placing the sod on the soil, use a knife or sharp trowel to cut sod to the appropriate size and shape. Lay the sod like a mason lays brick --- in a staggered pattern--- so you won't have one long line of sod edges next to each other. A closer placement encourages a tighter knit in the growing grass blades, yielding a more beautiful lawn.
Watering Issues
Newly-laid sod needs frequent deep watering to establish a good root system. If your sod doesn't get enough water, the corner pieces might dry out and curl up. Water-in your sod the first day until the soil and sod can't absorb any more water and the water runs onto the sidewalk or driveway. Over the next few days, water the area deeply to encourage good root growth. Once the sod is established and there is a good connection between the sod and the soil, reduce the watering schedule to once every four to seven days, or as suggested by your sod company.
Hints
If the problem is only with a few pieces of sod, roll back the curling sod pieces and loosen the soil with a rake. Moisten the soil with water, replace the sod, and gently join the sod to the soil by stepping on a piece of plywood or cardboard placed over the sod piece. Don't step directly on the newly placed piece with your shoes or you may cause the placement to shift and put undue pressure on the roots. If the corner of a sod piece has completely dried out, cut it off with a sharp knife or trowel, and install a new piece of sod into the barren spot following the normal installation instructions.
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