Sod Installation & Lawn Renovation

Why Choose Sod Over Seed?

Starting a lawn from seed takes months of careful watering, protection from birds, and patience. Sod gives you an instant lawn that you can use in just weeks. You roll out mature grass that's already thick and established. No bare patches, no waiting for germination, no worrying about seed washing away in the rain.

In Rancho Santa Margarita's climate, sod has another advantage. Because it's mature from day one, it establishes deep roots faster than seedlings can grow. This means your new lawn becomes drought-tolerant sooner and requires less babying through its first summer. If you need a usable lawn quickly, sod is the clear choice.

Whether you're installing a new lawn or renovating a failing one, professional sod installation ensures your grass takes root properly and thrives for years.

Our Sod Installation Process

Proper sod installation is about more than just laying grass down. Here's how we ensure your new lawn succeeds:

Site Preparation

We remove existing grass, weeds, and debris. Then we grade the area to ensure proper drainage away from structures. If your soil is compacted or poor quality, we amend it with compost and topsoil to create an ideal growing environment. Good preparation is the foundation of a healthy lawn.

Sod Selection

We source fresh, high-quality sod that's appropriate for your sun exposure and intended use. Different grass varieties handle shade, traffic, and drought differently. We recommend the right type for your specific situation so your lawn performs well with reasonable maintenance.

Professional Installation

We install sod the same day it's harvested, ensuring maximum freshness. Rolls are laid in a staggered pattern like bricks, with tight seams that disappear as grass grows. We carefully cut around obstacles and edges for a professional finish. Then we roll the entire lawn to ensure good soil contact.

Initial Care Instructions

We provide detailed watering and care instructions for the first few weeks. New sod needs consistent moisture to establish roots. We explain exactly how to water and when you can start mowing. Following these instructions ensures your investment pays off with a thriving lawn.

Lawn Renovation for Struggling Lawns

Not every lawn needs complete replacement. Sometimes renovation can restore a struggling lawn at a fraction of the cost. Here's when renovation makes sense:

• Thin or patchy grass: We overseed bare areas and thicken weak spots with fresh seed or patch sod.
• Compacted soil: Aeration relieves compaction, allowing water, air, and nutrients to reach roots.
• Excessive thatch: Dethatching removes the layer of dead grass that blocks water and encourages disease.
• Drainage problems: We regrade low spots where water pools and amend soil to improve drainage.
• Weed invasion: We treat weeds, improve growing conditions, and thicken grass so weeds can't compete.

We assess your lawn's condition and recommend whether full sod installation or targeted renovation will give you the best results. Often, a combination approach works well, replacing the worst areas with sod while renovating sections that just need help.

New and renovated lawns both benefit from professional care. Consider pairing your installation with our ongoing lawn maintenance and irrigation services for the best long-term results.

Frequently Asked Questions