How to Plant Sod Under Tree

Planting sod under trees is not an easy task. The roots of the trees suck the water and nutrients present in the soil, which makes it difficult for the sod to survive. However, with proper planning, anyone can plant sod under trees and enhance the landscaping of their garden. In this article, we will discuss how to plant sod under trees and the things to consider while doing it.

Things to Consider

The following are some of the things that one should consider before planting sod under trees:

Amount of Sunlight: Sod requires sunlight to grow, and the tree may block the sunlight required for the sod to grow. Ensure that the tree doesn't block the sunlight completely; otherwise, the sod will suffer.

Type of Soil: Determine the type of soil present in the garden. Some trees grow well in acidic soil, while others grow well in alkaline soil. Sod plants also have different requirements for soil. Make sure that you use sod plants that grow well in the soil present in the garden.

Size of the Tree: The size of the tree will determine the amount of water and nutrients that the sod plants will receive. A large tree will absorb more water and nutrients from the soil than a smaller tree. Therefore, you should choose plants that require less water and nutrients if the tree is considerably large.

Steps to Plant Sod Under Tree

The following are the steps that one should follow while planting sod under a tree:

Prepare the Soil: Before planting the sod, prepare the soil by removing any weeds, rocks, or other debris. Add compost or any other organic matter to the soil to improve its quality.

Remove Grass: Remove any existing grass or vegetation where you plan to plant the sod. This will provide a clean surface for the sod to adhere to.

Choose the Right Sod: Choose sod that is appropriate for the type of soil present in the garden. The sod should also be able to tolerate the amount of sunlight available in the area under the tree.

Prepare the Sod: Water the sod before laying it. This will ensure that it adheres to the soil properly. Trim the sod to fit the required size and to accommodate any obstacles such as tree roots.

Lay the Sod: Install the sod by laying it down in a straight line. Cut the edges of the sod with a knife to fit them closely together. Ensure that the sod is firmly pressed onto the soil and doesn't have any air pockets.

Water the Sod: Water the sod immediately after laying it. Ensure that it is well-watered after planting to keep the roots moist and prevent the sod from drying out.

Maintenance

After planting the sod under the tree, it's essential to take proper care of it. The following are some of the maintenance tips:

Watering: Water the sod regularly to keep the roots moist. The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type and the amount of sunlight received by the area under the tree.

Fertilization: Regularly fertilize the sod with a fertilizer that is appropriate for the type of soil present in the garden.

Mowing: Mow the sod regularly to keep it at the desired height. Ensure that the mower blade is sharp and doesn't scalp the grass.

Weeding: Remove any weeds that grow in the area under the tree. Weeds compete for water and nutrients with the sod plants, which can affect their growth.

Conclusion

Planting sod under trees can be challenging, but with proper planning and care, it can be done. Ensure that you consider the things mentioned above before planting the sod. Follow the steps outlined in this article to plant the sod successfully. Remember to take proper care of the sod after planting it to keep it healthy and lush.