If you’ve made the decision to lay fresh sod in Atlanta, then you are on your way to being the envy of your neighbors. Nothing can ruin your home’s curb appeal faster than a brown lawn.

The trick to achieving a beautiful yard in Atlanta is planning and preparation. Laying sod isn’t something you do on a whim one Saturday morning in July. Laying sod needs to be well thought out with careful consideration given to a few factors, including what time of year it is, how hot the soil is, how much rainfall the new sod will be exposed to, just to name a few.

The temperature of the soil prior to laying fresh sod should be a minimum of 45 degrees. You do not want your soil to be too cold because you run the risk of the new roots freezing. An ideal time to lay fresh sod in Atlanta would be late spring or early summer.

You should also consult your sod supplier to get their input on when the best time to lay new sod in Atlanta would be. Some sod types, like Emerald Zoysia, are not as cold resistant as Fescue sod for example.

The healthier your soil is, the better chance your new sod has at thriving. Once you have decided when to plant your sod, you should have the soil tested at your local county extension office. It is important to take the time to prepare your soil by testing the soil pH and then adding any nutrients if needed. After adding nutrients, you will need to till the soil about four inches.

Lay freshly cut sod within 24 hours of it being cut for the best possible outcome. Be prepared to start installation as soon as your new sod is delivered. Start watering the lawn about 30 minutes after installation. After your initial install, continue to water about every day for roughly two to three weeks or until the roots have taken hold. Plan to water in the morning or early evening when there is less heat. Watering at these times will allow for the soil to absorb more moisture. Don’t forget to pay attention to the weather and adjust your watering based on rainfall amounts.

With some careful planning and a little research, you will be well on your way to a beautiful lawn in Atlanta. Fresh sod is in investment in your home and property, so preparing before you install will give you a better chance at success.