As a Vancouver landscape company, the team at EcoBridge Landscape shares the pros and cons of professional sod installation.
Do you want a Vancouver landscape company that considers lifestyle and budget, improves your landscape and considers the impact every building decision has on the planet? At EcoBridge, we offer full landscaping design, along with the services like mulching, construction, and sod installation in Vancouver.
As spring approaches, a lot of homeowners may notice the lawn looking a little lackluster. Most people don’t realize that lawns have a natural lifespan, roughly 15-20 years. Moreover, variables like species and weather can impact the health and beauty of your lawn. If your lawn is overrun with moss, crabgrass, or full of bare sports. If seeding and fertilization hasn’t yielded results, it may be time to consider new sod installation.
Why Consider Sod Installation?
Sod is composed of a mature grass plant cut into sections and bound together by the strength of its own root system, or occasionally another biodegradable material. For people who want the satisfaction of an instantly lush green landscape, sod is the go-to choice. We also use it when collaborating with architects and builders who want to provide clients with a polished final product in a time-sensitive way.
Sod installation require careful preparation, including removal of the old lawn. Our team will then till and grade the surface, before adding a rich topsoil and non-toxic fertilizer to promote rich, healthy growth. Additionally, we source our sod from reputable growers, opting for resilient varieties more tolerant of Vancouver’s hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters.
The Case for Sod:
DIY Sod projects can be laborious. Sod is heavy and messy, with fragile root systems. As a professional Vancouver landscape company, the team at EcoBridge streamlines the process, bringing unwavering professionalism and expertise to every project. Read more about the pros and cons of sod installation below.
Sod: The Good
Instant Results
In just a few hours, sod installation can transform green spaces
Fast Establishment
Depending on the season, roots of newly laid sod can establish itself in as little as two weeks
Eliminates weeds
Healthy sod outcompetes weeds
Can be used quickly following installation
Once established, sod is resilient and beautiful with minimal maintenance
Holds soil in place
Quick root establishment works to hold soil in place on all types of terrain
Sod: The Bad
High initial costs
Mature sod can be costly and should be installed by professionals
Short transport window
Once purchased, sod should be laid within 24 hours of being cut
The Case for Seed:
As the traditional option for growing a lawn, the trade-off for seeding is lower initial costs, with higher maintenance and care requirements. In Vancouver, climate and water restrictions also pose a challenge.
Seed: The Good
Low Initial Cost
Cost of seed is more affordable expensive than sod
Low Labour Cost
The process of planting grass is simple
More Grass Choices
Sod is grown in a few popular varieties; seeds allows for more unique and specialized choices
Seed: The Bad
Small Growing Window
Seeds need to be sown in conditions conducive to growth
Slow Establishment
Germination can be time-consuming, usually requiring 10 to 12 weeks before it can tolerate light foot traffic
Competitive Weeds
Immature grass seedlings have a hard time competing against fast-growing weeds
Greater Maintenance
Seeding requires extra attention, especially during the early stages of growth
When to Schedule Sod Installation in Vancouver
As a Vancouver landscape company, we schedule sod installations year-round. However, planting in late winter or early spring means taking advantage of natural seasonal rainfall, which helps roots to establish while minimizing watering requirements.
Caring for Sod Post Installation
Water is crucial for lawn health. After the installation, a good soak helps newly laid roots to spread and establish. To check if water requirements are adequately met, raise a corner of the sod. If the soil below is wet, that’s enough.
Advised Watering Schedule& Maintenance for Sod Installation
2-3 Weeks
- Hot and sunny days: Water 2 times a day for 20 minutes each time to keep the sod moist. (Early morning and evenings)
- Cloudy, cool days: Water once a day for 20 minutes.
- Rainy days: No need to water.
After 3 weeks, the irrigation frequency should be reduced to three times a week for 20 to 25 minutes each time. We recommend a sprinkler to ensure an even distribution of water.
3-4 Weeks
At this point, it’s safe time to mow. If you are feeling a little tentative, gently tug on a corner of the sod. If it doesn’t budge- the lawn has started to develop a healthy root system. With a sharp blade, 2-3 inches is the golden length for a healthy lawn, but if you prefer shorter it’s best to be done slowly over time. Regular cutting helps promote lush and dense growth, so cut regularly for a healthy dense lawn.
4-8 Weeks
The final step is fertilization. We advise using a slow-release fertilizer can be reapplied seasonally to boost health.
Schedule Sod Installations in Vancouver
At EcoBridge Landscape, we believe the green spaces around our residences and neighbourhood directly influence our quality of life. That’s why we’re passionate about providing sustainable, budget-friendly landscaping services. We stay focused throughout the project, offering timely, creative solutions that deliver long-term to be enjoyed for years by family and friends
Reach out to learn more about transforming your property with professional sod installation in Vancouver. We’ll be happy to come by and provide a project estimate.
Call 778.222.1701 to get started.
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