September is the perfect month to lay the groundwork for a new and fresh fall lawn. Whether you’re looking to fill designated areas with sod or need a complete revamp, there are many ways to start the process. Here, we'll walk you through three steps to achieve the perfect fall lawn: laying the sod, repairing your yard with professional installation, and protecting your lawn after installation. At Cut'n Edge Property Management, we're passionate about helping homeowners in our community create beautiful landscapes and properties. Keep reading if you're looking for professional landscaping services, including sod installations and more. Selecting the Right Sod The foundation for achieving a healthy fall lawn is choosing the best quality sod. When selecting the right sod for your yard, consider the following aspects; different grass types will thrive in various climates, so it's best to conduct research beforehand. Find which type best suits your region and which you favor the most visually. Cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and Fescue are an example of choices for fall lawns. This will also go hand and hand with soil compatibility that works with your soil type. Some sod varieties are better suited for sandy or clay soils. Reviving Troubled Lawns With Sod If your lawn has seen better days and has bare patches, weeds, or uneven grass growth, sod installation may be a pertinent solution. Here are a few ways it can transform your yard:

• Quick Transformation: Sod installation provides homeowners with an “instant” lawn, skipping the long seed-sowing process. With sod, homeowners can create a beautiful appearance in just a few hours. Sod can also be a choice for homeowners who wish to target specific lawn areas, such as small patches and corners.
• Erosion Control: Sod helps prevent soil erosion on slopes and areas with poor drainage to prevent flooding and run-off.
• Weed Suppression: Before installation, weeds are removed, making it harder for them to repopulate the new grass. A layer of sod can smother out existing weeds and prevent new ones from taking root.
• Enhanced Property Value: The most noticeable feature of the front of your home is often the entryway and the lawn — that’s why a healthy, green lawn can significantly improve your home's curb appeal and market value.

1. Preparing the Soil: The homeowners (or professional service) will begin clearing the site. Start by removing any existing grass, weeds, and debris away from the area. Plow the soil to a depth of about 4-6 inches, then amend it with compost to improve drainage and nutrient content.
2. Grade the Area: This step can be optional depending on the flatness/smoothness of the landscape. A professional can create a slight slope away from your home to ensure functional water runoff for an uneven slope. Beginners who prefer to do it themselves can use a grading rake for evenness.
3. Laying: A trained professional will begin laying the sod rolls in a staggered pattern, similar to bricks on a wall. Lastly, they’ll press the edges of each roll tightly together to cancel out gaps.
4. Water Thoroughly: Immediately after installation, water the sod thoroughly to encourage root establishment. This method should be followed for a few weeks after or as instructed by the professional company.
5. Mow and Maintain: You can start mowing after the sod has rooted (typically in 2-4 weeks). Set your mower at a height appropriate for your grass type, and avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass blade's length in a mowing session.