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15 Questions to Ask a Sod Company Before Hiring
Having new sod laid can be a daunting task, especially when you need the entire lawn replaced and don’t feel confident in your own “green thumb” or ability to ensure the new sod will survive. Rest assured, we have given you a comprehensive list of 15 questions to ask a sod company before hiring.
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What Is Your Site Preparation Process?
A reputable sod installation company should always check your sprinklers and flag the heads and valve boxes before starting work. In addition, the company should remove your existing turf with a mechanical sod cutter, rototill the soil, and properly grade areas where new grass will be installed.
How Will You Remove Old Grass?
It’s a bad idea to plant new grass on top of old grass, even if it’s cut really short. Your old grass and weeds should be physically removed for best results. If the sod company says they will use a string trimmer to cut old grass down, then you should find another provider.
Do You Till the Soil?
Your existing soil will need to be tilled to give the new grass its best chance to take root. This will allow the roots of the new sod to establish contact with the soil. If the company you’re interviewing for the job doesn’t till the soil, then move on to another.
Is Additional Topsoil Needed?
Some installers may try to sell you more soil than you need. If the company plans to rototill the soil, this will naturally provide most of the soil needed for laying new grass. However, sometimes a thin layer of topsoil is beneficial to provide nutrients to the soil. In addition, soil may be needed to reestablish the proper grade where soil has been eroding over time. Make sure that the company you hire can bring additional topsoil if needed for deep low spots and areas of severe erosion.
Will You Grade the Yard?
One of the biggest complaints following sod installation is lumps and bumps in the yard. Proper grading will not only prevent your yard from flooding; it may be the difference between replacing your grass once or twice. If the yard has low spots and storm water is not directed away from your foundation and other turf areas, water will pool where it shouldn’t, killing the new turf and possibly eroding areas along your home’s foundation. Check that the company you choose to employ for the job will grade for proper water runoff and good drainage.
Will You Raise Sprinkler Heads?
Sprinkler heads sink over time and may need to be raised once new sod is laid. Check that your landscaper will check for proper sprinkler coverage after installing the sod and that they have someone on staff that can raise them on the day of installation.
Do You Use a Sod Roller?
In order for your new sod to properly take root, it is vital to water it in thoroughly and use a roller. If the sod installation company does not water and roll the sod, move on to another company.
What Variety of Grass is Best for My Lawn?
There are several varieties of grass available, and you’ll want to select the one that’s right for your property. For example, Bermuda won’t grow in shady areas, so choose a shade-tolerant grass like St. Augustine or Zoysia for those areas. Your sod provider should be able to survey your property and recommend the best grass variety for it.
How Fresh is the Sod You Install?
During the growing season, sod should be installed within 24 hours of being cut at the farm. This time will vary depending on the season. When temperatures are cooler, the sod can survive a bit longer. In the summer when temperatures are very hot, sod should be installed as soon as possible. Check that your new grass will be freshly cut the day of install.
Should I Have Utilities Marked?
Customers should call 811 to have all public utilities marked on their property before work begins. This is a free service and will provide markings for the major utilities: electric, gas, cable, etc. The major utilities are typically buried too deep to be hit by a tiller. However, internet and cable lines could easily be hit by a rototiller if not clearly marked. It’s always a good idea for a homeowner to mark any underground pipes or wires that they know of prior to work beginning.
Will You Repair Any Accidental Damages?
A reputable company should offer to repair any damage done during the installation if the areas were clearly marked, but make sure to ask. Several tools with sharp blades will be used during site preparation and when laying new grass. To protect your interests, you should have all utilities flagged along with upgrades like landscape lighting wires to avoid damage.
What is Included in the Estimate?
Some sod contractors give estimates with a single line item containing the price. Make sure to ask for a detailed estimate that shows delivery, materials, labor, sod variety, and description of areas where new turf will be installed.
Do You Offer a Warranty?
Most sod companies don’t offer warranties. Some landscaping companies do offer a warranty of 30 days on sod and workmanship. If no warranty is offered, you should make sure that the new sod is healthy before installation starts.
Do You Provide Sod Care Instructions?
Having good information about how to properly care for your new sod after the install is critical. Ask how to properly water it before and after the rooting phase, when to first mow it, when to start lawn treatments, and if you should core aerate your new grass.
Do You Have Commercial Liability Insurance?
If someone is hurt on your property, you may be held liable for injury. Don’t hire any company without commercial liability insurance. It’s not worth it.