When you have a struggling or damaged lawn, it can feel like having a beautiful lawn will be far into the future – if ever. But we have good news: installing sod is not just an effective way to get a gorgeous lawn. It’s also fast.
A lush and vibrant lawn can be yours in no time with the exceptional sod installation services offered by Ware Landscaping in Wheaton. Our team of experts excels in crafting and installing stunning lawns that are tailored to your yard’s unique characteristics.
Sod is a great solution for installing a brand new lawn or repairing one that has been damaged by poor drainage, fungi, pet waste, weeds, and construction projects.
We use resilient native grasses that have been grown in soil that matches our own here in the Wheaton area. That’s because these grasses require less water and maintenance.
With decades of experience under our belt, our dedicated Wheaton team manages every aspect of the installation process with precision, from soil preparation to the final sod placement. We prioritize proper drainage, seamless sod connections, and smooth grading. No detail is too small when it comes to crafting your ideal lawn.
The finished product is a lush and sustainable lawn. Wheaton is home to so many gorgeous yards, and yours is going to be one of them when we’re done!
Which is better: Installing sod or seeding a new lawn?
There are several pathways to a beautiful new lawn, including the installation of sod and planting all new grass seed. Each option has its benefits, but the right choice for your yard is going to depend on a number of factors.
Signs your yard needs new grass
Some of the common problems that indicate the need for new grass, either from seed or sod, include:
- Bare patches in your grass
- Poor drainage
- Soil erosion
- Dead grass (lots of small patches or big areas)
- Overrun with weeds
- Moles, voles, or other pests
- Fungi build-up that has killed the grass
- Dead grass from pet waste, especially dog urine
- Damage from renovations or repairs
Deciding between sod or seed can seem like a tricky choice, but our sod and seed experts in Wheaton can help you determine the best course of action.
When to install sod
Here are some of the reasons why sod can be a better choice than seed:
- When you need to finish or repair your yard quickly
- When your yard has experienced significant erosion damage
- When the season is right (spring or fall)
- When you need an entirely new lawn or you need to repair a lot of bare spots
When to seed a new lawn
There are some situations when it is better to plant grass seed. Specifically:
- When there is no rush to plant and grow your new lawn
- When you need to stick to a more conservative budget
- When your preferred grass type is not available in sod
- When your soil needs a lot of improvements
- When the season is right for seeding (late spring, early fall, or winter if you want to go with dormant seeding)
Ware Landscaping creates gorgeous lawns for homeowners in Wheaton
One of the reasons we love installing sod is because the results are so fast and beautiful. Our sod installation experts in Wheaton know all the best types of grass for this area. Specifically, we help you choose the right grass variety that will thrive in the cold Northern Illinois climate. We will provide you with recommendations that will match your vision for your yard, whether you have full sun, lots of shade, or a mix of shady and sunny areas.
The Ware Landscaping sod installation process
Curious about the process? Here’s what you can expect when you choose Ware Landscaping for your Wheaton sod installation project.
- Consultation: Our team will visit your Wheaton property for an initial consultation. We’ll attentively listen to your vision and discuss suitable options that align with your requirements. We are available for both homes and businesses.
- Sod Selection: If sod is the preferred choice, we will present various grass varieties ideally suited to the local climate. You can select premium sod grown in similar soil conditions for a seamless transition.
- Soil Preparation: Proper soil bed preparation is crucial. We make sure that the installation is properly watered before the sod is installed. Soil preparation can also include removing gravel, aerating the soil, and grading the yard.
- Sod Installation: Our experienced team is highly qualified to lay the sod, creating an instant aesthetic appeal.
- Watering Guidance: Following the initial watering, we provide guidance on the ideal frequency and amount of water required to nurture your new sod.
- Follow-Up Visits: For ongoing success, we offer the option for follow-up visits. We’re committed to assisting your lawn in remaining lush and thriving.
After the installation, our team remains at your disposal to address questions, inspect any issues, and provide resources, advice, and services to keep your lawn in pristine condition.
Wheaton Sod Installation FAQs
Let’s take a look at some of the sod installation questions our sod installation pros in Wheaton hear most frequently from our clients.
When is the best time to install sod in Northern Illinois?
Timing is key when installing sod in Northern Illinois. To ensure success, it’s best to avoid extreme heat and cold. We recommend scheduling your sod installation in early spring or fall. Our busiest sod season runs from April to May as homeowners strive for an enviable lawn before summer.
However, sod can also be installed between September and October before winter dormancy. To secure your preferred timeline within our active installation calendar, we suggest booking your Wheaton sod service early. Reach out to us today to learn more about ideal scheduling for your climate and yard.
What is the best sod to install in Wheaton, Illinois?
For landscaping in Wheaton, we always recommend native grasses as they are most likely to thrive in this climate. The ideal cool season grasses for sodding Northern Illinois areas like Wheaton include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass.
You’ll want to avoid warm season varieties like zoysia and bermuda that will struggle through Illinois winters. When we visit for a free consultation, we can also help you determine which grasses do better in shady yards.
For example, fine fescue does well with significant shade, and tall fescue does well with moderate shade. However, most other varieties require 3-4 hours of full sun per day.
What’s the best way to prepare the ground before sod installation in Wheaton?
Installing sod yourself in Wheaton can be a rewarding DIY challenge, but please note that it requires proper preparation. First, remove all debris, weeds, and old grass where new sod will be laid. Thoroughly till the soil 4-6 inches down and level the area. We recommend amending the soil with compost and testing that nutrients are ideal for sod growth.
Compost also enhances drainage, so you can work that into the soil. And remember to moisten the soil before laying new sod.
We’re happy to help if DIY sod prep sounds overwhelming – our experts handle every step of preparation and installation for stunning results. Contact us to learn more about our Wheaton sod services.
What does the sod installation process involve?
When installing new sod, our technicians meticulously stagger the sod strips, tightly packing each section against the next to form a seamless lawn. We use sharp knives to carefully cut the sod around yard edges and trees, tamping down the borders for a flawless look.
After laying the new sod, we thoroughly water it to help the grass roots establish themselves in the soil. We also provide you with step-by-step watering instructions so that you know exactly what to do when we are done.
Proper installation by our experts ensures your new sod lawn gets off to the healthiest start possible.
What’s the best way to water newly installed sod?
Proper watering is crucial for newly laid sod. We recommend watering new sod once or twice daily for 2-3 weeks, applying about 1.5 inches of water per session. (It usually takes 20 minutes for an area to receive 1.5 inches of saturation.)
After the roots become established, gradually reduce watering frequency. With proper care following installation, your new sod should be fully rooted and established within 2-3 months. Our technicians are happy to provide specific watering instructions to ensure your new lawn thrives.
When can I mow my newly laid sod?
Wait 10-14 days after new sod is installed before mowing. Use sharp mower blades set to a height of 3 inches. Even after the initial 2 weeks, continue avoiding heavy foot traffic and mowing on new sod for 3-4 weeks to protect the establishing roots. Careful mowing will produce a healthier lawn.
How long does it take sod to fully root and establish?
With proper care like attentive watering, your new sod lawn should be fully rooted and established within 2-3 months after installation.
To help your sod thrive, follow our experts’ instructions for the first 3-4 weeks to allow the grass roots to develop undisturbed. Once established, your properly installed and maintained sod will provide a lush, resilient lawn.
What’s involved in caring for established sod?
Once your new sod is well-rooted, recommended care includes fertilizing 2-3 times per year as needed. Watering can be done less frequently after the initial period. Periodic dethatching, aerating, and mowing at the proper height for your sod type will keep your lawn healthy and beautiful. And of course, you can contact us anytime for advice on caring for your specific variety of sod.
Factors to consider when installing sod
When installing sod, you have to consider the following:
- Timeframe: Because you can establish new sod faster than new grass grown from seed, sod is better for property owners who need to install a yard quickly.
- Plans for use: If your yard will be a place where there is lots of activity from guests, kids, or pets, be sure to choose a hardy grass that is ready for lots of use.
- Access to water: Sod needs consistent watering when it is first getting established. Make sure that you can meet the water needs of your chosen type of sod.
- Sunlight vs. shade: We can help you find the right grass variety based on how much sun and shade your yard gets.
- Maintenance: Choose a sod variety that works well with our anticipated maintenance commitment. If you don’t want to have to worry about lawn care, our maintenance plans deliver a lush lawn without the work.
Why you can feel confident hiring Ware Landscaping for your sod installation project
Wheaton is known for its beautiful homes, businesses, parks, and institutions. We are proud to offer homeowners and business owners in Wheaton a gorgeous lawn in no time, thanks to sod installation.
Some of the benefits of working with us for your project include:
- A no-obligation consultation where we can learn more about your vision for your yard, and you can learn about us
- Customized recommendations for your yard, based on your preferences, needs, and physical property
- Expert guidance on which native grasses will thrive in Wheaton’s climate
- A selection of lawn maintenance plans to keep your property looking its best
- Sustainable sod installation processes to give you a more eco-friendly yard
The Ware Landscaping approach ensures that your new lawn will achieve your unique goals, including how it looks and how it functions. We always take the time to get to know our clients’ needs and preferences before our sod installation experts even get started.
Contact Ware Landscaping for your free sod consultation today
Whether you need to fix a few trouble spots, sod an entirely new lawn, or repair and enhance your existing yard, contact Ware Landscaping’s sod installation experts in Wheaton to learn more.
Contact us today at (312) 529-4633 to schedule a conversation!
