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Sanctuary School & Studio
Welcome to our School & Studio! Where you can Learn "how It's Done" and pick out options via our studio below within the sub service you have selected to view:
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School: Knowledge on how the sub-service is done.
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Studio: Options on all materials/colors for selected sub-service.
Landscaping & Softscaping
SOD (Grass)
What Is SOD? (Grass / Ground cover)
​- SOD, short for 'Surface On Demand,' is a popular and efficient way to establish a lush, instant lawn in your Orange County yard. It consists of mature grass and its root system, grown together in a thick layer of soil, and harvested in rolls or squares. Think of it as a carpet of pre-grown grass that's ready to be laid out on your prepared soil. This method offers several advantages over traditional seeding, including immediate results, erosion control, and weed suppression. Whether you're looking to create a vibrant lawn for your new home in Irvine or revitalize a patchy yard in Laguna Niguel, SOD provides a quick and effective solution for a beautiful, green landscape. Sanctuary Design & Build can expertly install SOD, ensuring proper ground preparation and care for optimal growth and establishment.
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School
Our official "How It's Done" section to help educate our clients to understand our industry leading installation process!​​
Course: HOW IS SOD INSTALLED?
Process - SOD Installation
Discover our step by step guide on how we bring your Landscape projects to life. Unless otherwise stated in your contract, all installations pertaining to SOD are performed in the exact outlined method!
Phase 1: Marking, Digging, & Clearing The Work Area
The initial stage of installing any SOD is proper clearing and demolition of the work space. This is to ensure that all previous materials in the space are fully removed including any previous SOD or planting materials so that later they do not invade the new SOD that is being installed, a crucial step often incorrectly performed. Digging 2-3" generally is recommended to ensure this removal process is done correctly.
Phase 2: Grading & Forming
Next the space must be properly graded just like any hard scape surface SOD surfaces can pool water and uneven surfaces can block proper irrigation performance into certain lower dips or regions. Proper grading is also a crucial step that is often incorrectly done. Before any SOD is installed our team will ensure per code grading is performed and drain direction laid out.
Phase 3: Soil Amendment
Soil amendment involves materials, such as compost, peat moss, or fertilizers, to the existing soil to improve its texture, nutrient content, drainage capabilities. During the process, the soil is typically tilled to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to ensure even distribution of the amendments, followed by thoroughly mixing them in. This preparation creates an optimal environment for the SOD to establish roots and thrive. Performed by HAND in small spaces and with a TILLER in larger spaces.
Phase 4: SOD Installation
We begin by placing the first piece at a straight edge, like a sidewalk or driveway. Press the edges of each sod piece firmly together to eliminate gaps. we continue laying the sod in a staggered pattern, overlapping seams like bricks for a seamless look. Once all pieces are laid, we trim any excess edges with a knife and ensure all seams are tightly joined. Finally, we water the entire area thoroughly to promote root establishment.
Phase 5: Rolling
Employing a roller machine to roll new sod is critical for the establishment of a healthy lawn. This process entails the use of a heavy roller to firmly press the sod into the soil, thereby enhancing root contact and eliminating air pockets. It uniform settlement, ensuring a consistent appearance while preventing the occurrence of dry edges. Consequently, this step is indispensable for the successful establishment of your new lawn.
Phase 6: (OPTIONAL) Fertilizing
Fertilizing grass after sod installation is crucial for a healthy lawn. Wait 4 to 6 weeks for root establishment before applying a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Use a broadcast spread for even application, following the manufacturer's guidelines, and water the area afterward.
(Speak with your representative as this step is typically done by the client's existing gardner however we can provide this service for the client if requested.)
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Studio
Our Official Studio will guide you through all options we carry within the selected category to expertly guide you in your decision making process!
Studio Display: Our Selection of SOD Available!
Let's Pick Out Your New Lawn!
Logo Legend
As you browse our options on SOD, you will come across the logos below which serve to provide you information on the specific selection so that the choice of SOD fits the area and your needs properly.
Direct Sun
Partial Sun
Shade Tolerant
Sod & plant types vary in sun needs. Warm-season grasses & plants need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, while cool-season grasses & plan thrive in partial shade with 4 to 6 hours. Choose sod based on your lawn's conditions & bear in mind the SOD's individual sun requirement.
Sun Requirement
High
Medium
Low
Different sod & plant types have unique water needs based on their growth patterns. Warm-season grasses & plants require more water in hot months, while cool grasses & plants thrive with less. Soil type, root depth, and climate also influence these requirements.
Watering Requirement
Heavy Traffic
Low Traffic
No Traffic
Traffic Tolerance
Sod varieties exhibit different tolerances to foot traffic due to their growth characteristics. Bermuda and Zoysia are durable and recover quickly, making them suitable for high-traffic areas. In contrast, fescue and bluegrass have shallower roots and are more prone to compaction. Understanding these differences is vital for selecting the right sod for a healthy lawn.
Marathon II SOD
(Grass)
Marathon 2 sod is a popular and durable turfgrass specifically engineered for a lush, low-maintenance lawn. It's a blend of dwarf tall fescues, resulting in a dense, dark green carpet with improved wear resistance and shade tolerance compared to traditional tall fescues. This makes it a versatile choice for various lawn conditions, from sunny open areas to partially shaded yards.
St. Augustine SOD
(Grass)
St. Augustine sod is a popular warm-season grass known for its thick, lush texture and vibrant green color. It's a favorite in southern regions due to its ability to thrive in hot, humid climates. This sod creates a dense carpet that crowds out weeds and provides a comfortable surface for walking barefoot. However, it's important to note that St. Augustine is more susceptible to cold temperatures and may require more frequent maintenance compared to some other grasses.
Kurapia SOD
(Ground Cover)
Kurapia sod is a relatively new ground cover gaining popularity as a low-maintenance and eco-friendly alternative to traditional lawns. It's a low-growing, spreading plant with small white (or pink) flowers and a dense growth habit that creates a soft, green carpet. Kurapia is prized for its exceptional drought tolerance, requiring significantly less water than traditional turfgrasses. It's also known for its ability to choke out weeds and thrive in a variety of soil conditions.
Perennial Plants
(Ground Cover)
Perennial ground covers are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional lawns, offering a diverse range of textures, colors, and ecological benefits. Unlike sod, which is pre-grown grass, perennial ground covers consist of low-growing, spreading plants that form a dense mat, suppressing weeds and preventing erosion. They often require less water and maintenance than turfgrass, making them a sustainable and attractive option for landscaping.
Dichondra Plants
(Ground Cover)
Dichondra is a low-growing, spreading perennial plant often used as a ground cover alternative to grass. It forms a dense, velvety mat of small, rounded leaves, creating a soft and attractive lawn-like appearance. Dichondra is prized for its ability to thrive in shade and its tolerance to moderate foot traffic. However, it requires consistent moisture and may not be as drought tolerant as some other ground covers.
