Lawn & Property Care
Sod Installation
From dirt or dead lawn to a full, green lawn in a day. The prep is what makes sod root, and that's where we don't cut corners.
New sod looks great on day one no matter how it's laid. What decides whether it roots or dies is the work underneath: the old lawn removed, the grade corrected, the soil loosened and improved, and the sod laid fresh with tight seams. Groundwork Landscaping handles every step, from removing the old turf to the first watering.
What's included
- Old lawn removal, with a sod cutter, and hauled away.
- Grading so the lawn slopes away from the house and drains properly.
- Soil prep, with fresh topsoil or compost worked in over heavy clay.
- Fresh sod, delivered and laid the same day it's cut.
- Tight, staggered seams in a brick pattern, trimmed cleanly around beds and edges.
- Rolling and first watering to press the roots into the soil.
How a sod job runs
- Measure and plan. We measure the area, check the grade and note where water sits.
- Strip and prep. Old turf out, grade fixed, soil spread and raked smooth.
- Lay. Sod laid from a straight edge with seams staggered, then rolled.
- Water in. Daily watering for about two weeks, then deeper and less often.
After the sod goes down
Keep off it for two to three weeks, and don't mow until it has rooted and you can't lift a corner. Then start regular mowing and a feeding program. If water pools on the area, fix it first with grading and drainage work.
What affects the cost of sod installation
Sod is priced by the square foot, and the prep is a big part of it. Removing old turf, the amount of grading, fresh topsoil, tight access for equipment and wheelbarrows, and hauling away soil all add to the cost. Small or awkward areas cost more per square foot than large open ones.
Sod Installation questions
How long until I can walk on new sod?
Keep traffic off it for about two to three weeks while it roots. Light foot traffic is fine after that.
How much should I water new sod?
Every day for the first one to two weeks, enough that the soil under the sod stays moist. Then water deeply once or twice a week.
When can sod be installed?
Any time the ground isn't frozen, from spring to late fall. Spring and fall are easiest, because summer heat needs more watering.
Is sod better than seed?
Sod gives you an instant lawn and fewer weeds, and is better on slopes. Seed costs less and suits overseeding thin lawns. We'll help you decide.
Why does some new sod turn brown?
Usually from too little water, gaps between pieces, or sod laid on hard, unprepared soil. Good prep and watering prevent all three.
What kind of sod do you lay?
Usually a Kentucky bluegrass blend, the standard for sunny Ontario lawns. For partly shaded yards, we'll talk about whether sod or a shade seed mix will do better.
Can sod go on a slope?
Yes. Sod is often the better choice on slopes because it doesn't wash away like seed. Steep slopes may need pieces pinned until they root.
Where we offer sod installation
We provide sod installation for homeowners in Windsor, LaSalle and Tecumseh. See what to expect in your area:
Let's build something.
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