Bare spots and patchy grass are common lawn care issues, but they don’t have to be permanent. With the right sod, you can seamlessly restore your lawn’s lush look, especially with grass types like Centipede, St. Augustine, and Zoysia that flourish in Louisiana’s climate.
Diagnosing Lawn Issues
To begin the repair process, diagnosing the cause of the bare spots is crucial. Factors could include anything from soil conditions to pest invasions. Identifying the problem will ensure that your lawn care efforts are effective and long-lasting. Often, soil compaction can play a major role in bare spots. An area where children or dogs play a lot can become densely packed, leading to soil compaction. Also, if you’ve hired a lawn treatment company, it may be that the areas now bare used to be green, but with weeds. Bare spots can also be caused by things like excessive shade, tree roots, and poor drainage. These problems often need to be remedied before putting new sod.
Preparing the Ground
Once the issue is identified, preparing the affected area is your next step. Clearing out dead grass and loosening the soil helps the new sod establish itself quickly and integrate with your existing lawn. Cut the ground down to 1-2” below grade to make room for the new sod.
Selecting the Right Sod
When it comes to choosing sod, consider the variety that matches the sod around it. Ideally, you don’t want to have two different types of sod in one area. Sod pieces of Centipede, St. Augustine, and Zoysia are not only beautiful but also well-suited to Louisiana’s unique environment, ensuring that fixing patchy grass is both practical and enduring. Identifying grass types can be challenging, but these tips can help: Zoysia has very pointy blades, St. Augustine has fat blades with rounded tips, and Centipede has skinny blades also ending in rounded tips.
Laying Down the Sod
Fit the sod pieces carefully into the bare spots, making sure the edges meet snugly. Good contact between the sod and soil is essential for the roots to take hold, so be sure to press down firmly after placement. You may want to use a hand tamper to get the new sod to be level with the old sod.
Watering and Initial Care
Properly watering the sod after installation is vital. The goal is to keep the sod sufficiently moist to encourage root establishment without overwatering. A regular watering schedule in the weeks following installation is an effective way to fix bare spots of missing grass. When grass is actively growing (April – September), water for 20-30 minutes daily. In the off-season, water your grass enough to keep it moist but less than during the growing season.
Ongoing Maintenance
Continue your lawn care regimen with regular mowing, fertilization, and watering. Proper maintenance not only supports your new sod but also maintains the overall health of your lawn.
Evaluation and Care
Keep an eye on your lawn as the sod begins to take root. If you notice any areas not taking as well as others, it might be time to consult a lawn care expert for further guidance.
Revitalizing your lawn with sod is an excellent way to achieve a vibrant, uniform appearance. If you’re looking for a dedicated partner in your pursuit of a greener lawn, don’t hesitate to call the team at Treppendahl Landscape today at 225-405-1816. We’re here to help your lawn reach its full potential!