Sod prep

16 years ago

Hi,

I was wondering what is best to use for prepping soil for sod. I apologize for the long post, but I would like to stick with one option when installing sod.

Thanks for your help!

Here are the options:

1. 1/4"- Native Compost As a soil amendment, boosts the beneficial life in your soil by providing a correct balance of nutrition, organic matter, soil porosity and water retention. As a top-dressing ground cover for seeding and existing lawns.

2. 1/4"- Manure Blend A horse and cow mixture blended with compost

3. 1/4"- Steer Manure An excellent fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. It also adds organic matter to the soil which may improve soil structure, aeration, soil moisture-holding capacity, and water infiltration.

4. MULCH MIX

50% mulch and 50% manure. This blend is primarily used for winter seeding and is distributed in a Â¼" layer over the seed. The mulch helps retain moisture while the manure provides warmth and micro-nutrients to the seeds.

5. MANURE

Composted cow manure is mildly acidic, which is beneficial for the alkaline soils in this area. It is good for gardening, providing fertilization and water retention. The high organic content makes it a good mix for loosening clay soils. Manure should not be used straight; it must be tilled into the soil (2" of manure to 6" of soil). Normally sold after being composted and shredded or in prepared soil mixes

6. SANDY LOAM

33% screened fill dirt, 33% mulch, 33% manure. Sandy Loam is A great medium for vegetable gardens and other applications that utilize the warmth and micro nutrients of manure.

7. SOD MIX

Sod Mix is made of 60% screened fill dirt, 30% mulch, and 10% sand. Sod Mix is an excellent mixture for sod, flower gardens, and is a excellent base material for all growing needs. This soil mixture is used when a little extra water retention is desired such as the above ground planters or flower pots where evaporation occurs more quickly.

8. Sod Blend 60% compost 40% sand base for grass, tilling tilling your hard soil for better drainage

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Comments (3)

bpgreen
16 years ago
I'd go for option #1.

I would also probably not till. The advantage to tilling is this is the only time you'll be able to till since you can't do it once there's grass there. The problem is that if you till, it's very difficult to get the ground really level afterward. Even if you get it level before you put down the sod, it will then settle and it will probably settle unevenly. If you tilled in the compost, there will probably be pockets of it and as it further decomposes, those areas will settle even more.
garycinchicago
16 years ago
Since all eight of your options include some form of nutrients, both micro and macro nutrients, why not first test the soil to see if there is an existing deficiency which may then make your choice obvious due to need?

For $13, The University of Mass. does a great soil test for 'Non-Residents' for nutrient levels AND also organic matter, which your options differ in. See link below.

Another reason why to consider this soil test is, after the new sod is laid, you will know what fertilizer to apply during its infancy stage to promote a strong and healthy turf during the coming year.

Here is a link that might be useful: TESTING SERVICES AND PRICE LIST
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texas_weed
16 years ago
Skip the tilling it is pointless, and does more harm than good.

Best option is to have a contractor in with a tractor and box blade and regrade the area. If a soil test indicates you need something in the macro or micro nutrient department have the contractor spread it when he regrades. It will take him only an hour or two leaving you a perfectly graded area ready to have sod laid down.