When and how to lay sod in rolls or in plates?

What is grass in rolls or in sods?

It is neither more nor less than natural grass which has already germinated, that is to say it is already mature, and in which strips, for large areas, or patches, for small spaces or to repair an existing lawn, have been cut. These plates or bands are therefore ready to be placed on the previously prepared earth. Then, over time, the sod from these patches or strips will take root on your land.

Why install sod in rolls or sods?

The grass whether it is in rolls or in plates makes it possible to benefit from a lawn in an instant way. So, no need to wait until the grass you have sown decides to come out to enjoy it. But this is not its only asset.

• We benefit from a dense lawn without weeds.
• It has great resistance to trampling.
• Its maintenance is easy since its speed of growth is reduced.
• It enjoys good hardiness.
• Installation is quick and easy.
• The result is immediate.
• You can walk on it after 16 days. For a sown lawn, you have to wait 1 month.
• By following the advice correctly, its recovery is assured.
• Veneer sod can be installed on any type of soil.

Of course, there can only be advantages. Its biggest disadvantage is its price. It will be necessary to plan a substantial budget or to resort to it for smaller surfaces. In addition, it requires maintenance.

How to lay grass in a roll?

Whether you are laying sod in rolls or sods, the process is the same. So whatever shape you choose, the steps described below for the rolls should be followed for the plates.

1. The first step is essential and must be carried out with care for the smooth running of the rest of the operations. You must start by preparing your soil, that is to say removing stones, weeds, etc. Once this step is carefully completed, using a rake, you can level the earth. Then pass the roll to finalize. If the ground is already occupied by a lawn, mow it as short as possible.
2. If your soil is poor, you can enrich it with compost. If it is heavy, you can add sand, etc.
3. Once the preparations are complete, you can unroll your rolls. Be aware that you are going to be doing weight training, because a roller weighs around 20 kg. You must proceed methodically, starting with the most remote area. So you won’t have to walk on your freshly laid grass.
4. For a uniform result, you must lay the strips on the floor, making sure that the edges are tight against each other. If you need to make cuts, you will need either a sharp knife or an edge cutter. The second solution will allow you to do a cleaner job. In areas where cuts are necessary, for successful jointing, it is recommended to overlap the ends of two rolls and cut the two layers together. For any cuts, around trees, etc., it is preferable to make them as you go along.
5. As soon as your grass is in place, roll it over and water it extensively to promote its rooting.

Mistakes to avoid when laying sod in rolls or sods

• While you can lay roll or patch sod all year round, in theory, it is best done in the spring or even better in the fall. In this way, it will be able to take root well and more easily.
• When you are going to deliver the sod rolls, avoid waiting to put them in place. You must be available immediately. In hot weather, it must be installed within 24 hours, in cool weather, 48 hours. Be careful to anticipate soil preparation work!
• If you want to put sod on a concrete space, you will need to put between 20 and 30 cm of topsoil beforehand.

Laying a grass roll: how much does it cost?

A grass roll is ultimately nothing less than a sod, but since it does not have the same dimensions, it is rolled up for simplicity.

It is 40 cm wide and 2.50 m long. We therefore end up with the equivalent of 1 m². A roll weighs approximately 20 kg. To obtain it, we pre-germinated sod on a type of amendment mat. To promote its growth, the use of fertilizers is important. Therefore, it is not at all an ecological solution. As for the cost of the roll of grass, it varies between 5 and 10 € for 1 m². The prices differ depending on the quality of the sod you are going to choose. Indeed, we find:

• the classic turf which is rather thin and recommended for individual gardens;
• rustic turf is more resistant;
• fine grass, for a golf course, for example;
• synthetic turf.

It is also possible to hire a professional for the installation of your veneer sod. In this case, for the labor and the roller, it will be necessary to envisage between 7 and 20 € / m².

How to maintain your lawn in rolls or in plates?

Once your grass is in place, wait for complete rooting before mowing for the first time. At this point, about 3 weeks after it is put in, you will need to cut it to less than a third of its height. Before proceeding with this first mowing, try to lift a section of your lawn to check if the rooting is successful. If not, wait a little longer. You can then mow as you would a regular lawn.

Regular watering of the lawn is necessary, especially in dry weather.

Finally, approximately every 2 months, during the period from March to October, consider feeding it with a fertilizer.