Sodding Services

Sod Installation

A lush, green new lawn provides instant gratification, improving the value and curb appeal of your home, and creating a relaxing and more welcoming environment for your family and guests.


What Is Sod?


Sod, also known as turf, is a combination of grass and soil that forms a mat created by the intertwining of the roots of the grass with soil.

It comes in rolls or slabs that are easy to install. Sod is used on residential lawns, golf courses, parks and other outdoor areas to enhance landscaping, retard erosion and augment drainage. It also has a cooling effect. Installing sod is an effective way to quickly establish a lawn.


Specialized farms cultivate grass strains that grow well in their local area. Grasses are planted, cultivated and harvested during a process that takes 10 to 18 months. The time needed to establish new turf depends on the type of grass, climate and the method of cultivation used by the grower. When the grass is ready, it is harvested and delivered to the consumer. Growers are usually local because of the care required in harvesting and transporting the crop, which must be kept fresh and in good condition to produce viable results.




Sod vs. Seed

Though most home and business owners can, depending on their environment, grow new grass from seed, there are many advantages to having a sod lawn professionally installed. First, growing your own grass from seed is a lot of hard work. From prepping the soil, spreading the seeds, and adding mulch to fertilizing, frequent watering, and pest control.


Other Factors Include

 

  • Finding premium seeds that are best for your location.
  • Installing the best possible topsoil for your specific seed choice.
  • Protecting the seeds from wind and water erosion.
  • Reseeding of low-growth or problem areas.
  • Protecting the newly seeded area from human and animal foot traffic.
  • Few homeowners have the time (up to several months) or want to invest the energy in what it takes to ensure a healthy, established, and attractive lawn from seed. Note: More new lawns fail due to improper follow-up care than all other facets of lawn establishment combined.

 

Needless to say, there is a lot more to 'seeding' a lawn than meets the eye.



The Benefits of Sodding


Installing sod to establish a new lawn or repair an existing one has many benefits. Installation is fast, and results are equally fast. Instead of sowing seeds and waiting for them to sprout and take hold, professional growers have already completed this time-consuming part. Because the grasses are embedded in a soil layer, sodding helps establish lawns quickly. Sodded lawns usually require less care than seeded lawns because the types of grass used in sod are appropriate for the local climate and the grass root systems are mature and established.


Well-established grasses are helpful to the environment. They filter out impurities and prevent them from entering groundwater. Grasses are cooling, creating an environment with lower ground temperatures around your home. Sodded lawns require less watering because the grasses hold moisture. A grassy lawn captures moisture during storms and rains, which helps prevent erosion. Turfgrass installations help retard runoff on slopes by absorbing rainfall, which preserves topsoil.


Sodded lawns have a thick root system, making it difficult for weeds to grow. Common weeds in Indianapolis include Bermudagrass, crabgrass, foxtails, dandelions and nettles. They thrive in patchy areas and lawns with compacted soil or nutrient-poor grasses. Planting grass that is appropriate for your yard and micro-environmental conditions will result in a healthy lawn with minimal eruption of weeds.


Best of all, sod installations result in a healthy, aesthetically pleasing yard. Expanses of thick, green grass are pleasant to look at and add value to your home. The professionals at Emerald Meadows offer lawn and landscaping services to create beautiful outdoor spaces that enhance the appearance of your property.


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Types of Sod

Kentucky Bluegrass Sod

When properly cared for, Kentucky bluegrass produces a lush lawn with a beautiful blue-green color, pleasant texture and dense sod. 


It is native to Europe, northern Asia and mountainous areas of Morocco and Algeria. Although it is a cool-season grass, it tolerates drought and can produce new growth year-round in the transitional zone. 


There are more than 100 varieties of Kentucky bluegrass. Experts recommend combining several to enhance its appearance and ability to withstand adverse conditions.



Bermuda Grass Sod

Bermudagrass is known for its heat and drought tolerance and ability to withstand heavy traffic. It was brought to the U.S. from either India or Africa and was considered a principal grass in warm-climate states as early as 1807. 


It is one of the most common grasses in southern states, particularly for lawns, parks and golf courses. Bermudagrass is traditionally a warm-season grass that thrives in full sun that is not tolerant of cold temperatures and thins out in shade. 


The development of cold-tolerant varieties has extended its range into the transitional zone and some northern states. Common Bermudagrass is light green in color and develops an extensive root system that deters weed growth.


St. Augustine Sod

Native to coastal regions of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, St. Augustine grass grows best in warm, humid climates. It is shade- and drought-tolerant and puts down deep roots that enhance rapid development. Colors include light green, dark green, and blue-green, depending on the variant. St. Augustine Grass does not tolerate cold weather or heavy traffic.


Zoysia Grass Sod

Zoysiagrasses are warm-weather grasses native to Asia, introduced to the U.S. from China in 1895 and from the Philippines in 1911. Its many varieties offer a choice of textures and colors. Several varieties grow well in both warm and cold climates, making it a good choice for the transition zone. Zoysiagrass tolerates drought and moderate shade, does not require much maintenance or water and creates a dense, lush lawn that withstands traffic.


Centipede Grass Sod

 Introduced in 1916 to the U.S. from China, centipedegrass is well-adapted for warm climates and sandy, acidic soils. It is slow-growing, coarse-textured and yellow-green in color, forming a dense turf that requires little maintenance. 


It does not tolerate cold, drought or heavy traffic. Although centipedegrass can recover from cold temperatures, repeated hard freezes can kill it.


Perennial Rye Grass Sod

Ryegrasses are native to Asia and Europe. In the U.S., they are common grasses in the transitional and northern zones. Perennial ryegrass is used on sports fields, lawns and golf courses. Its dark-green color and fine texture create a lush lawn that tolerates moderate traffic. 


Perennial ryegrass overwinters well and is often mixed with bluegrass and other cool-season grasses. In the transition and northern zones, it can serve as permanent grass. 


In southern zones, it is used as an overwinter grass. More than 50 varieties of ryegrass offer a range of colors, textures and densities.


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Sod Installation FAQs

  • How much does it cost to sod a yard?

    The cost to lay sod varies depending on your yard's size, the type of grass you choose, and layout. We offer free quotes and consultations to determine your sod installation cost. 

  • When is the best time to lay sod?

    Fall is the perfect time to lay sod in Indiana for several reasons: 

    • There is less risk of sun damage and dehydration
    • Fall is the time for rapid root growth
    • While the grass is dormant and preparing for winter, its roots spread deep into the ground below the frost line to absorb nutrients. This root boost helps your sod survive the dry, hot summer
    • Fall rains mean you don't need to water your sod heavily or at all
    • You don't have to worry about your sod drying out in transport or while waiting for installation

  • Why should I have my sod installed by a professional?

    A professional sod installation company has extensive knowledge and can determine the best grass species for your particular soil and needs. Local landscapers know how to prepare your property, install sod correctly, and can guide you in its care.  

    Emerald Meadows Landscaping has been laying sod in the Noblesville area for years and guarantees a lush green lawn. 

  • How long should I wait to walk on my sod?

    New sod takes time to root. We recommend waiting at least two weeks before walking on your new sod. Check to see that roots have taken hold. If you can lift your sod carpet, wait another week or so. 

  • How often should I water my new sod?

    Your sod needs a good watering of at least 20 minutes twice a day for at least 2 months after installation. 

    If your sod was installed during rainy seasons like the fall or spring, you can let Mother Nature do some of the watering for you. 

  • What is my new sod dying?

    If your newly installed sod is dying, chances are it needs water. New sod needs a lot of water to take root. Sprinklers don't water every square inch of your lawn, and often the edges are missed. Take your hose and give those edges and discolored areas a good drink twice a day until they recover. 


  • How long does cut sod last before laying?

    Cut rolls of sod only last about 36 hours during the summer and 72 hours in the fall and winter. If you are laying your own sod, arrange your delivery when you can lay it right away. If you hire a sod installation company, you don't have to worry about the sod drying out or dying. 


  • What is the best sod for shade?

    St. Augustine is the best option for shaded areas. The next best option is Zoysia. 

    In areas that get 6 hours of sunlight or more, Centipede is a good option. 

    Our sod installation specialist can help you choose the best grasses for your needs.