How to Lay Sod Over Existing Lawn? Here’s Your Guide!

Know How to Do It Right

Installing new sod over an existing lawn is an effective way to achieve a lush, green yard quickly. While it might seem straightforward, proper preparation and technique are essential to ensure the new sod thrives. So, how to lay sod over existing lawn? This guide will walk you through the steps necessary for a successful sod installation over an existing lawn.

Introduction

Transforming a patchy, worn-out lawn into a vibrant, healthy one can be done efficiently with installation. New sod provides instant aesthetic improvement and helps establish a robust lawn faster than seeding. However, laying sod over an existing lawn requires meticulous preparation to ensure the sod roots properly and flourishes. Here are the steps to achieve a beautiful, green lawn with new sod.

Preparing the Existing Lawn

The first step on how to lay sod over existing lawn is thorough preparation. Start by mowing the existing grass as short as possible without scalping the soil. This reduces competition between the old grass and the new sod. After mowing, use a dethatching rake or power rake to remove any thatch, debris, and dead grass. This step is crucial for ensuring good soil contact for the new sod. Next, water the existing lawn lightly to soften the soil, making it easier to work with during the next steps. Aerating the soil using a core aerator helps improve soil structure and allows better water and nutrient penetration, creating an ideal environment for the new sod to root.

Amending the Soil

Amending the soil is an essential step for providing the new sod with a nutrient-rich base. Spread a layer of compost or well-rotted organic matter over the existing lawn. This addition enhances soil fertility and structure, promoting healthy root growth. Use a garden tiller to incorporate the amendments into the top 2-3 inches of soil, ensuring they are well mixed and distributed. After tilling, level the soil surface using a rake. Fill in any low spots to create a smooth, even surface. Proper leveling helps prevent water pooling and ensures the sod has consistent contact with the soil.

Laying the New Sod

Now it’s time to lay the new sod. Start by placing the sod strips along a straight edge, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Lay the sod pieces in a brick-like pattern, staggering the seams to avoid creating long lines where the pieces meet. This pattern helps the sod establish more quickly and creates a more uniform appearance. As you lay each piece, ensure it makes good contact with the soil by pressing it down firmly. Avoid stretching or overlapping the sod pieces. Use a sharp knife to trim any excess sod to fit around curves or obstacles.

How to Lay Sod Over Existing Lawn? Call Us to Know!

Laying sod over existing lawn is challenging in a sod installation, which is why contacting Tranquility Green Landscaping is necessary. We are based in Las Cruces, NM, so call us if your lawn is also in the same area. Dial (575) 237-6559 now!