Filters and Absorbs Runoff

Hard surfaces like hardscapes, parking lots, driveways, and roads transform rainwater into rapid stormwater runoff. In contrast, grass helps slow down and absorb this runoff, while also filtering out impurities and dust. Rainwater passing through a well-maintained lawn can be up to ten times less acidic than water flowing off hard surfaces.

Reduction in Heat

Grass helps reduce the heat island effect created by asphalt, concrete, and other hard surfaces. Lawns can be up to 31 degrees cooler than asphalt and 20 degrees cooler than bare soil.

Improving Air Quality

Grass plays a crucial role in trapping dust, smoke particles, and other pollutants. Without it, these contaminants would linger in the air, leading to an increase in “code red” air quality days.

Helps Maintain Carbon Dioxide

Lawns are the largest carbon sink in the U.S., absorbing and removing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. Grass is so effective at sequestering carbon that it can offset the carbon emissions generated from lawn maintenance by up to seven times.

Generating Oxygen

A 50′ x 50′ area of turf grass produces enough oxygen to meet the daily needs of a family of four.

Promotes Biodiversity

Grass, trees, shrubs, and other plants offer food and shelter for birds and small mammals. Insects, spiders, and worms thrive among the grass blades and in the soil, creating a supportive environment for wildlife.

Prevents Soil Erosion

Grass naturally prevents erosion with its dense, fibrous root system. Without grass, soil washes into streams and lakes, clouding the water and reducing sunlight penetration. The nutrients and chemicals carried with the soil can lead to algae blooms, which deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life.

The key to a successful installation lies in preparation, starting with evaluating the lawn’s requirements and ensuring the soil is conducive to healthy growth. Applying starter fertilizer before laying the sod can provide a nutrient-rich foundation, encouraging roots to penetrate deep into the soil. A flat rate is often sought after for projects, making budgeting for the task more manageable and straightforward.

Preparing for Sod Installation

Before starting on sod installation, it’s crucial to assess the lawn’s condition and prepare the ground accordingly. This preparation involves removing weeds, testing the soil, and ensuring the site is level. Understanding the importance of these preparatory steps can significantly impact the sod’s ability to take root and flourish. Korby Sod does provide sod installation services as well as sod prep and sod removal for Denver, Fort Collins, Wellington, Greeley and the Colorado Front.

Evaluating Your Lawn’s Needs

Evaluating your lawn involves understanding its unique conditions and challenges. Using a sod cutter for removing existing grass and weeds can be an effective first step in preparing the area for new sod. This initial evaluation is critical in planning for a successful sod installation, tailored to your lawn’s specific needs.

Soil Testing Importance

Soil testing plays a pivotal role in the sod installation process. By taking a soil sample and analyzing its composition, you can determine the soil pH and nutrient levels. This information is crucial for adjusting the soil conditions to ensure they are optimal for sod installation, promoting healthy growth from the start.

Soil Preparation Techniques

Soil preparation is a multi-step process that involves removing existing grass, improving soil structure, and ensuring proper drainage. Incorporating organic matter and leveling the ground are also key steps in creating a conducive environment for sod roots to grow and thrive.

The Role of Rototilling in Sod Installation

Rototilling is an effective technique for breaking up compacted soil, which is essential for sod installation. This process allows for better air and water infiltration and facilitates easier root penetration. Preparing the soil thoroughly through rototilling can significantly enhance the sod’s ability to establish itself and grow vigorously.

Optimal Conditions for Sod Installation

For sod installation to be successful, certain conditions need to be met. These include adequately prepared soil, the right weather conditions, and timely watering. Ensuring these conditions can lead to a seamless sod installation process and a healthy, thriving lawn.

Best Time of the Year to Lay Sod

Cool season turfgrasses from Korby Sod can be installed year round! They are more accustomed to cool weather and can tolerate being planted in the middle of winter. Care is simple and you MAY need to water. For more information about sod installation during winter visit can you install sod during the winter?

The Step-by-Step Sod Installation Process

The sod installation process involves several key steps, from preparing the soil to laying the sod and ensuring it establishes well. Following these steps carefully can lead to a beautifully installed lawn that enhances your outdoor space.

How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod

Preparing your soil for sod involves removing existing grass, testing the soil pH, and applying starter fertilizer to provide essential nutrients. Ensuring the soil is loose and aerated allows roots to penetrate deeply and establish more quickly, promoting a healthier lawn.

Leveling Your Lawn for a Uniform Appearance

Leveling your lawn before installing sod is crucial for a uniform appearance. This step involves smoothing out bumps and filling in low spots to prevent water pooling. A level surface ensures each sod piece connects well with the soil, creating a seamless lawn.

Mastering the First Row for a Solid Foundation

Starting with a straight edge and laying the first row of sod carefully sets the foundation for the entire lawn. Ensuring the first row is properly aligned and snug against the edge provides a guideline for subsequent rows, leading to a professional-looking finish.

Strategies for Laying the Next Rows of Sod

After the first row, it’s important to stagger the joints in subsequent rows, much like laying bricks. This strategy prevents lines from aligning directly across the lawn, which can lead to uneven growth and visible seams. Properly laying the next rows ensures a strong, cohesive lawn surface.

Initial Lawn Care: Watering and Maintenance

Initial lawn care involves regular maintenance to ensure the sod establishes well. The lawn receives adequate water to encourage deep root growth, and lawn mowing begins once the sod has rooted firmly. This early stage care is vital for developing a resilient and healthy outdoor space.

When to Mow New Sod for the First Time

Mowing new sod for the first time should occur once it has rooted firmly, typically two to three weeks after installation. Ensuring the grass has reached a height of at least 3 inches before the first mow encourages healthy growth and helps establish a thick, lush lawn.

The Importance of Fertilizing New Sod

Fertilizing new sod is crucial for its healthy growth. It provides essential nutrients that help the sod establish strong roots in the new environment. A well-timed fertilizer application encourages lush, green growth, making the lawn more resilient against pests and diseases. Homeowners should select a fertilizer specifically designed for new sod to ensure it receives the right balance of nutrients.

Maintaining Your New Sod Lawn

After installing new sod, maintaining it properly is key to ensuring its longevity and beauty. Regular watering, timely mowing, and appropriate fertilization are fundamental practices. Addressing any signs of distress early can prevent common sod problems, keeping the lawn looking vibrant and healthy. Additional information about sod watering and aftercare 

Watering Guidelines for New Sod

Proper watering is essential to settle the soil and help the new sod establish its roots. Initially, the sod requires frequent, light watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Gradually reducing the watering frequency encourages the roots to grow deeper, creating a more drought-resistant lawn.

Mowing Tips for a Healthy Lawn

When it comes to newly installed sod, the first mowing is critical. It’s important to wait until the sod is well-rooted, usually two to three weeks after installation. Mowing at the right height can promote healthy growth without putting too much stress on the young grass. Sharp mower blades ensure a clean cut, which helps prevent disease.

Addressing Common Sod Maintenance Challenges

Maintaining new sod involves vigilance. Homeowners should watch for signs of pests, under or over-watering, and nutrient deficiencies. Early detection and correction of these issues can prevent them from escalating into bigger problems, ensuring the lawn remains healthy and attractive.

Identifying and Solving Common Sod Problems

Common sod problems include yellowing, bare patches, and weed invasion. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step to solving these issues. Adjusting the watering schedule, applying the right fertilizer, or implementing weed control measures can often remedy these problems, restoring the lawn’s lush, green appearance.

Expert Tips and Tricks for Sod Installation

Installing sod can transform a yard quickly, but doing it right requires some know-how. Preparing the soil properly, choosing the right time of year, and laying the sod carefully around curves and obstacles can make a big difference in the outcome. Following expert advice can help avoid common pitfalls and ensure the sod establishes well.

Laying Sod Around Curves and Obstacles

Laying sod around curves and obstacles requires careful planning. Cutting the sod pieces to fit snugly ensures complete coverage and prevents gaps where weeds could grow. Keeping the grass roots in contact with the soil is crucial for successful sod installation in these challenging areas.

How Long to Stay Off of New Sod to Ensure Rooting

It is important to stay off new sod until it has firmly rooted, typically for about two to three weeks. Limiting foot traffic during this time helps the sod establish without disruption, ensuring it grows evenly and becomes well-integrated with the underlying soil for a durable, healthy lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sod Installation

Sod installation raises many questions, from the cost considerations to the best practices for lawn maintenance. Understanding the process, including when to install new sod and how to care for it, can help homeowners achieve a lush, green lawn they can enjoy for years to come.

Cost Considerations for Sod Lawn Installation

The cost of sod lawn installation varies, depending on the size of the area, the type of sod, and labor costs. Professional sod installation might seem expensive, but it includes preparation, labor, and the sod itself. Planning and scheduling delivery efficiently can help manage expenses, ensuring the lawn installation process is as cost-effective as possible.

Sod Installation Myths Debunked

Many myths surround sod installation, such as the idea that sod can only be installed in certain seasons or that it requires less maintenance than seeded lawns. In reality, sod can be installed almost year-round in many climates, and while it establishes faster, it still requires proper care, including regular watering, mowing, and fertilization, to thrive.

Wrapping Up Sod Installation Journey: A Greener Tomorrow

After the sod delivery arrives and the last piece of turf grass settles into the soil, a new chapter begins for homeowners aiming for a lush, green lawn. Root growth and development are crucial, and with proper care, the roots will dig deep into the earth, creating a strong foundation for your lawn. Adjusting the soil’s pH and ensuring the installation process is carefully followed prevents scenarios where the grass is dead before it even has a chance to thrive. For those with sloped areas, additional attention to securing the sod can lead to successful establishment, avoiding the wash-away risk during heavy rains. As you embark on this journey, remember, with the right lawn starter and dedication to maintenance, a greener tomorrow is not just a dream but a reality within reach.

Sod Installation in Denver, Fort Collins & More

If you were looking to replace your sod or installation of new sod, you come to the right place! Korby Sod provides full Sod service, including sod, sod installation, prep and sod removal, Sod delivery and much more. We have several varieties to choose from including Vortex Hybrid Sod, Athletic Sports Turf and Black Beauty Xeriscape and are happy to help. Give us a call at (970) 568-7633 or (720) 262-3818 for more information.

Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) and The Lawn Institute (TLI) are once again joining forces with other industry leaders for the “April is… National Lawn Care Month” campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about proper lawn care practices, educate the public about the positive social and environmental impacts of natural grass, and offer support to landscape companies, turfgrass producers, educators, and other professionals seeking to educate their clients about the importance of maintaining healthy lawns.

Originally introduced by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), this campaign has garnered additional support from partners such as the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), the Irrigation Association (IA), and Voices for Healthy Green Spaces (VHGS), a digital advocacy program launched by NALP in 2022. By collaborating with these organizations, we can expand our reach and amplify our message about the benefits of natural grass lawns.

While April has long been recognized as National Lawn Care Month in the USA, TPI and TLI are committed to spreading the word internationally. As spring begins in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, the lush green grass of lawns becomes an inviting space for outdoor activities and gatherings. This presents a prime opportunity to remind people around the world about the advantages of maintaining well-cared-for lawns.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted many individuals to discover—or rediscover—the simple joys that their home lawns and public green spaces can offer. This positive momentum has continued through 2021, 2022, and 2023, with industry research indicating that it will remain strong throughout 2024. Consequently, our target audience is more receptive than ever to the message of the benefits of natural grass.

TPI members can access a wealth of marketing materials on the website www.TurfgrassSod.org, including the “Keep It Real” logo. Likewise, The Lawn Institute’s website, https://www.TheLawnInstitute.org, offers a variety of facts, resources, infographics, and photos to support your outreach efforts.

Water: If it’s been a dry fall, make sure the soil is moist going into winter. It’s very stressful for the root system to go for months in bone-dry soil. Even when it’s cool, the soil is still losing moisture to the atmosphere, just not as quickly as it does when it’s hot.

Rake: Don’t leave dead leaves on your lawn. They’ll only promote mold and smother the grass when it’s trying to get started next spring. Plus, it’s much easier to rake them up in the fall when they’re dry.

Aerate: If you have heavy soil, fall is the time to aerate. Do it when the soil is moist and before you fertilize. Aerating loosens the soil, which allows roots to spread and oxygen to penetrate.

Fertilize: Even though the lawn is beginning to turn brown, the roots are hard at work storing nutrients for the winter and the following growing year. Fall is the single most important time to fertilize. Six to eight weeks before your first frost date is a good time to fertilize.

Mow: For the last cutting of the season, set your mower to about 1-1/2 in. and cut the grass short. That will help prevent snow mold in your yard.

Winterizing a Sprinkler System: You can pay an irrigation company or use your air compressor and do it yourself. You just have to be careful not to leave any water in the line or it might freeze over the winter and burst a pipe.

Prune Plants: By deadheading plants — removing spent flower heads — your gardens will look better, and the plants will be ready for overwintering. Pruning your garden and cutting back perennials in the fall can even lead to more flowers next year 4.

We hope these tips help you get your yard ready for fall!

Here are some Spring Lawn Care Cleanup Basics:

Overall Clean-up: Mid-March is the time to get those fallen leaves, branches and neighborhood trash up from the yard and flower beds–in other words, spring cleanup! Power blowers work best, but if you don’t have a blower use a rake to get to the debris. Be sure to go lightly on the raking! If your lawn is still wet, wait to rake until it’s dry. Use a light raking to “fluff up” the lawn, separating grass shoots and increasing air circulation. Spring lawn cleanup is a great time to get a good overview of the state of your lawn– dead spots, matted patches, thatch or compacted soil. DON’T do a power raking or aeration on your lawn- YET. It’s advised that you avoid the practice of aggressively raking until the lawn if quite firm, usually in late April or even May. This will reduce the amount of damage to tender grass plants as they are breaking dormancy..  Also, be sure to clean up the dog poo while you’re out there– your lawn will thank you.

Test your Soil’s PH: There is no better way to save money on water and soil amendments than getting a handle on what your lawn actually needs. Do-it-yourself soil test kits are a great way to learn about soil health, and can be purchased at a home improvement store or your local nursery. You can also purchase testing meters that measure pH, moisture and light.  A soil test determines whether your soil is acidic, neutral or alkaline, and indicate which elements are missing and how much to add to remedy the problem. Since soil is made up of minerals, organic matter (living and dead), healthy soil provides nutrients and serves as a foundation for healthy plants. Improve your soil and plant health and enjoy a beautiful lawn or garden for a lifetime. 

CSU Lawncheck: CSU provides an inexpensive, on-site lawn consultation service conducted by CSU horticultural specialists who will come to your home and make recommendations for improving your lawn and solving insect, disease and other lawn problems.   For more information: http://lawncheck.colostate.edu

CSU Lawncheck is currently available from Colorado State University Extension offices in the following counties:

• Adams – (303)-637-8100
• Arapahoe – (303) 730-1920
• Boulder – (303) 678-6238
• Denver/Jefferson – (303) 271-6620
• Larimer – (970) 498-6000

CSU Extension office: A great resource, by phone or email If you have lawn questions, and there’s no charge. Your message should include a short, detailed description of the problem and its location in the landscape.

Overseeding:  Got bare patches or winter kill?  Spring lawn cleanup is also the perfect time to lay down seed to patch these areas. You can use plain seed or a repair mix that incorporates mulch.  The first step is to rake out some of the dead in the area. You don’t have to remove it completely. “Fan” a very thin layer of soil/compost mix over the area. Next, spread the seed lightly without overcrowding. Finally, lightly drag the seed into the soil with the back of your hand or the back of a rake. This will insure that the seed is in full contact with the ground, but not buried.

If you seed in late March, don’t water the new seed. The spring weather will probably take care of getting the seed off to a good start. In later April or May, you will need to water at once and keep the seed bed moist for 30 days while the seed grows.

Apply Fertilizer: Many homeowners apply way too much fertilizer at the first sign of green grass growth. In reality, the best thing to do is to apply a light amount of fertilizer in early spring, and then apply a larger dose a bit later in the season, after the initial growth rush. It may seem early to start fertilizing but if you’re looking for the “Best Yard on the Block” award, fertilizing now is going to help your lawn wake up quicker and stronger.

CSU – Homeowner’s Guide to Fertilizing your Lawn & Garden

Apply Pre-Emergent Herbicide: It’s often easier to fight weeds before they even emerge, rather than waiting until they rear their ugly heads. Mid-March is the best time to control crabgrass and other weeds, because they will not be growing yet but will begin to very soon. Herbicide is less effective once weeds have significantly grown and developed. At that point, good ol’ fashion weed plucking may be your best option.

Prepare your Mower: Would you allow a hairstylist to cut your hair with a pair of dull scissors? It’s time to tune-up your lawn mower and sharpen or replace your lawn mower blades.  Dull blades tear the grass leaf instead of cutting it smoothly. Tearing weakens the grass plant and can promote disease and insects. Be sure to clean matted grass from the underside of the mower.  Is it time for a new spark plug? Engine Oil? Fuel Filter? If you need assistance, consult an expert in your area.

Different grass types have different optimum mowing lengths. For Bluegrass and Fescue, a height of about 2 to 2.5 inches for the first few spring mowings is good.  After that you should raise the mowing deck to a height of about 3 inches. It’s never healthy for your lawn if you cut more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time, and be sure to sharpen those blades again in late July or early August if you have an average lot size. One last tip–change your mowing pattern each time you mow.  This will prevent wearing of track marks on your lawn.

Aeration: In late April, revisit your soil health by aerating.  Aeration involves perforating the soil with small holes to allow air, water and nutrients to penetrate the grass roots. This helps the roots grow deeply and produce a stronger, more vigorous lawn. The main reason for aerating is to alleviate soil compaction.

Dethatching: Healthy grass has some thatch. Korby Sod does not recommend dethatching unless you know for a fact you have an excessive thatch issue. A thatch layer less than 1/2″ thick is not a problem. If the thatch layer gets thick enough that water and air have trouble getting to grass roots, that is excessive. To measure the thickness of thatch, poke through the brown layer of thatch to the top of the soil at the bottom of the grass blades. Measure the thickness of the thatch layer from there.  If you decide it’s needed, a vigorous raking or power raking for excessive thatch should only be done in late April or early May.

To see more about Poudre football click here. The team took the state championship in 1969. “We were the hicks from up north, and nobody in Denver expected us to do anything,” said Mike McGraw, a junior tight end/linebacker that season. “We were true underdogs – the Rodney Dangerfields of Colorado high school football. We were smaller than every other team, but we had a ton of heart and character. That’s what really made it special.”

Korby Sod offers the top-rated Kentucky bluegrass in the state of Colorado and has been in business for over 40 years.  Our hybrid grass fescues include VorTex Sod, Athletic Sports Turf, and Black Beauty Xeriscape Fescue. Our team provides sod, delivery, and sod installation.

Your Sod Matters

See our valuable do-it-yourself and maintaining your sod additional information including 5 steps to perform a sod installation, how to measure for sod, removing existing turf, top reasons for a non-successful sod installation, water & aftercare, installing sod rolls, soil preparation.

While not too much maintenance needs to be done to your lawn during off-seasons we recommend checking out our helpful seasonal guides including can you install sod during winter – yes!, winter watering, spring lawn care guide for Colorado, spring lawn care guide for Wyoming, fall lawn care guide Colorado and fall lawn care guide for Wyoming.

We also have resources that relate to your yard and servicing your yard that is updated frequently visit our sod news by clicking here. for additional sod installation service information visit here.

Call or Text our office if you have any questions regarding sod, sod installation services, sod delivery, and more or to get a free estimate. 970-568-7633. Click here to visit our contact us page. To see our sod farm locations click here

Sodding in Colorado for 40+ Years

We provide premium sod for Colorado and Wyoming including Athletic Sports Turf, VorTex Hybrid, and Black Beauty Xeriscape Sod. Our friendly staff offers delivery in Highlands Ranch, Broomfield, Fort Collins, Cheyenne Wyoming, and have farms conveniently located in Wellington, and one coming soon to Greeley.

With Korby Sod you can expect top-notch delivery service of your sod to your home or job site and we pride ourselves on having the best customer service in the industry with communicating delivery time frames and delivery so that you can plan your sod installation accordingly.

Sod installation – We understand that customers have busy schedules which is why we provide professional site preparation and sod installation services. With our crew’s experience, you can be sure that your sod will be installed properly.

Sod Pickup – We know that a customer’s needs may not meet the minimum requirements for delivery which is why we offer convenient pick up facilities in Wellington to make sure everyone can enjoy a beautiful sod.

Contact us for pickup, delivery, install or to get a free estimate
Phone: (970) 568-7633 – Northern Colorado
Phone: (720) 262-3818 – Denver Metro Area

Schedule your order for delivery of turf after preparatory work is completed and you are ready to install. Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.

For a more complete guide on measuring sod click here