Ballard New Sod Installation Services
Transform your lawn into a lush, green oasis in Ballard with Neat & Tidy’s professional sod installation services. We ensure you get the right sod on the right base, providing an easy-to-follow care plan that helps your new lawn root quickly and thrive.
What’s the Problem?
Are you struggling with:
- Patchy, muddy lawns where moss and weeds seem to thrive while your grass struggles?
- Low, uneven areas that hold puddles in the winter and turn to dust in the summer?
- Old turf laid on poor subsoil—no compost, no drainage, and no chance for success?
- Sprinklers that overspray onto sidewalks and garden beds or rotors that don’t match the precipitation rate?
- Heavy traffic areas combined with shade and the wrong grass mix, leaving your lawn looking sad?
What You Get (and Why It Works)
When you choose our sod installation service, you’ll benefit from:
- Soil Test & Site Assessment — We assess the unique clay soils common in Ballard, evaluating compaction, grading, shade, and your current irrigation setup.
- Proper Base Preparation — Our team removes old turf, loosens subsoil, and adds a nutrient-rich compost/topsoil blend to ensure a level grade.
- Tailored Sod Selection — We provide cool-season blends (like perennial rye and bluegrass) suited for Ballard’s climate, including shade-tolerant fescues or an eco-mix with microclover for lower maintenance.
- Seamless Installation — Our experts ensure tight seams with staggered joints and edges pinned for full contact with the base.
- Starter Program — We roll the sod for root contact and create a tailored watering plan, including light starter feeding if needed.
- Irrigation Tune-Up — We’ll resolve any coverage issues, ensuring your irrigation system is efficient and waters your lawn properly.
Just a heads up: sod won’t fix issues like deep shade or poor drainage. We’ll provide honest advice on where grass won’t thrive and suggest better alternatives (like ground covers, gravel, or mulch).
Quick Coverage Math (So Ordering Is a Breeze)
Measure Your Area (sq ft) — This is the amount of sod you’ll need. Add 5–10% for cuts and curves.
Topsoil/Compost Needed: 1 cubic yard covers approximately 324 sq ft at 1”.
- For example: If you have an 800 sq ft lawn and want to add 2” of the blend → 800 × 0.167 ft = 134 cu ft ≈ 5 yd³.
Aftercare Timeline (No Guesswork)
To ensure your new sod thrives, follow our easy aftercare timeline:
- Days 0–7: Keep the sod and the top 1” of soil evenly moist with 2–3 short waterings a day during warm weather.
- Days 8–14: Gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing depth. Check corners and edges for any lifts and re-roll if necessary.
- First Mow: Once the grass reaches 3–3.5”, trim it to ~2.5–3” with a sharp blade. Remember, never remove more than ⅓ of the height.
- Weeks 3–4: Transition to deep, infrequent watering. Light feeding may be needed based on soil tests.
- Traffic: Normal foot traffic is fine after about 2–3 weeks; heavy use from sports or pets can resume after 4–6 weeks, depending on site and weather conditions.
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s New Routine)
To keep your lawn looking great year-round, we offer:
- Mowing Right — Maintain a height of 2.5–3” with a sharp blade to avoid scalping.
- Smart Watering — Seasonal timer updates, catch-cup tests, and deep, infrequent watering cycles.
- Compost Topdressing — A light application in spring to build healthy soil biology.
- Aeration & Overseeding — Address compacted areas or thin patches in shaded spots.
- Moss & Weed Prevention — Address underlying issues with shade and drainage, ensuring dense turf and optimal pH levels.
We’re all about low-maintenance landscaping. Our goal is to reduce problems between visits and lessen your workload.
Service Cadences (Choose What Works for You)
- Quarterly — Spring and fall deep clean plus two lawn tune-ups.
- Bi-Monthly — A great balance for most Ballard lawns.
(For brand-new installs or high-traffic areas, we can start with monthly visits for the first 60–90 days, then taper off.)
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Seasonal irrigation audits to check coverage, leaks, and timing.
- Edge re-cuts along sidewalks and garden beds to keep everything looking sharp.
- Targeted weed pulls and spot treatments focusing on Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
- Compost topdressing and light overseeding in thin areas.
- Regular soil notes and easy adjustments (like mowing height and watering schedules).
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Deeper Roots, Fewer Brown Spots — Consistent watering and proper height lead to healthier lawns.
- Less Moss and Weed Pressure — Dense turf competes effectively against unwanted plants.
- Lower Water Bills — Efficient irrigation systems and smart watering cycles prevent waste.
- Extended Sod Life — Healthy soil and proper mowing practices reduce the need for replacements.
How It Works
- Free Estimate — We’ll gather photos, videos, or do a quick walkthrough for clear, upfront pricing.
- Prep & Grade — We remove old turf, amend the soil, and set the final grade.
- Installation Day — Our team lays the sod tightly, rolls it, waters it in, and adjusts timers.
- Follow-Up — You’ll receive a watering and mowing guide, along with a check-in from us during your first visit.
Why Ballard Chooses Neat & Tidy
- We’re a local crew that understands marine layer mornings, clay-heavy soils, and tight alleyways.
- Licensed & Insured for your peace of mind.
- Transparent Pricing — All materials, labor, hauling, and disposal costs are included.
- On-time, respectful, and clean work every time.
- A green-first approach — we prioritize compost-rich soils, IPM practices, and efficient water use.
Ready for a lawn that lasts?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a sod installation that’s done right—solid base, clean finish, and a care plan you can actually follow. We’ll keep your lawn tidy—so you don’t have to!