Do I need to rototill before laying sod?
Whether you rototill before laying sod depends on your preference, but your ground needs to be prepared for the sod to take root in the soil. A rototiller makes it easy to till up compacted earth so that new sod can easily take hold, but there are other methods you can do. Consult with a sodding professional to discuss which preparation steps should take place before laying sod.
Who can lay sod near me?
Landscapers and sod installation specialists can lay sod. When choosing a professional to lay sod in your yard, read their ratings and reviews from customers. Also, search for photos that showcase actual work done by the pro. And always get cost estimates from several sodding professionals so you can get an idea of how much you should pay for their services.
When should you lay sod?
Sod can be laid any time of the year, though the best time to do so is in the spring or early fall. During this time, temperatures are cooler but grass is still growing.
Summer isn’t ideal for laying sod (but still possible), as the high temperatures demand extra watering that can not only drive up your water bill. It can also make conditions ideal for mold and fungi.
Can you lay sod over existing grass?
There are differing opinions about this topic, which is why you should talk to a sodding professional near you to find out if it’s possible to lay sod over your particular lawn. In some cases, it might be possible. For example, some professionals say the new sod will kill the existing grass underneath and release nutrients that will benefit the new sod.
However, others believe the old grass will disrupt the sod's ability to take root in the soil, and it will die due to a lack of nutrients.
How much does it cost to sod your yard?
If you plan on sodding your yard, expect to pay between $250 and $1,250. You can get a better idea of your own cost by requesting free estimates from sodding professionals near you and calculating the square footage of your yard. Other factors will also affect your cost, including delivery prices, any prep work that needs to be done and additional labor costs.
Read our cost guide, “How much does sod installation cost?”
Do landscapers or lawn care professionals offer remote or virtual services?
Landscapers and lawn care professionals generally do not offer remote or virtual services. But if you come across a profile that states the landscaper is offering remote services, it’s best to contact them to see what type of remote work is offered.
Typically, lawn care and landscaping professionals can perform many of their duties without coming into physical contact with clients. Message local lawn mowing, landscaping, tree trimming, and lawn care companies near you to schedule a video call and inquire about remote services.
How can I find out if a landscaper or lawn care professional is considered an essential COVID-19 service provider?
To consult national guidelines on essential COVID-19 service providers and see whether a lawn care professional qualifies, visit a page on CISA’s website called Identifying Critical Infrastructure During COVID-19. This website contains 16 categories of critical infrastructure sectors that you can search through. However, not all jurisdictions follow CISA’s definitions of critical infrastructure so you should also check your city or state’s government website.
Can I use digital payments to pay for outdoor landscaping and design, lawn mowing, tree trimming and other similar services?
Many outdoor landscaping and design, lawn mowing and tree trimming companies will likely accept some form of digital payment instead of cash or check. The COVID-19 pandemic will likely causing more businesses to adopt digital platforms like Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash and Google Pay.
Search professionals’ online profiles to see if they list digital payment services, and ask them about their payment policies during a consultation call.
Does a landscaper or lawn care professional need to enter my home?
Because landscaping and lawn maintenance take place outdoors, it is unlikely that these professionals will need to enter your home.
To stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, practice social distancing at all times -- even with professionals doing work outside. You can minimize exposure during a consultation by using a video chat service. And when you pay, you can use a digital payment service like PayPal. Discuss strategies with any lawn mowing, landscaping, tree trimming and lawn care companies you may be considering.
Are there ways to be safe if I hire a landscaper or lawn care professional when social distancing?
If you decide to hire a landscaper or lawn care professional, you can take safety precautions on the worksite by not making any physical contact, keeping at least 6 feet between you and the pro(s) at all times and using digital payment platforms instead of cash or check.
