If you’re building a new home, one of the factors you likely have questions about is lawn installation. Having a lawn can greatly improve your home’s visual appeal, but many home-builders don’t know the first thing about lawn installation and maintenance. Here are four things you’ll need to know before you begin preparing a lawn for your new home.
1. Know your Choices
Many homeowners think of installing a lawn as a process of laying down seeds, but there are actually a variety of types of lawns you can install, each with advantages and disadvantages. A traditional hand-seeded lawn gives you the freedom to choose your seed type based on weather conditions and soil type. However, seeding the lawn yourself takes a lot of work, and creating the right conditions means weeds are also likely to sprout.
Sod is the most popular option for lawn installation. Sod is a bundle of grass and soil beneath it bound together by roots or other thin material, usually in rolls. Sod is easier to install and sees fewer weeds than seeded lawns, but initial installation is expensive. One final option is artificial turf. Turf requires a lot of preparation, and it can become heated in the sun. However, it also requires no maintenance after installation and can be good for areas with sparse rainfall.
2. Debris Removal is Necessary
No matter what type of lawn you choose, keep in mind that you’ll need to clear the land of debris. Stones, roots and construction debris can cause problems for your lawn, so you’ll need to completely clear the area and create a smooth surface.
3. Irrigation Concerns
You will also need to have a plan for how your lawn will be irrigated. Unless your home i in an area that sees constant rainfall, you’ll likely need to install a sprinkler system. This means you’ll need to trench the area for your lawn before installation, which will cost you money unless you’re doing it yourself, along with the money spent on the sprinklers themselves.
4. Know When to Mow
One other crucial concern for lawn installation is knowing how frequently to mow your lawn. Lawn care professionals Westland Turf point out that for sod lawns, you will want to mow within 7-10 days of installation in warmer months or after the roots have taken hold in winter, along with mowing regularly to keep the desired height. With seeded lawns, you’ll need to wait until the grass has sprouted to avoid damaging the seeds.
If you keep these four aspects of lawn installation in mind, you’ll be ready to lay a beautiful lawn in your home. Lawn installation is mostly about prep work; always be sure to clear the land and prepare some kind of irrigation before seeding or laying sod. Most importantly, if you’re unsure of what to do or think you’ve made an error, don’t hesitate to contact lawncare professionals.