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Tips On Planning Landscaping Projects
Now that the colder weather is here, it’s an ideal time to start to get inspired and begin planning your turfgrass sod and landscaping projects for next season. Getting your ideas and budget together and arranging meetings with landscape architects can all be done over the winter — and this will set you up to get your project going as soon as the ground has thawed.
Here are some tips to consider when planning your landscaping project:
It’s Not Too Early To Plan
You may think that the spring season is a long way away, but landscape architects, landscaping companies, and turfgrass producers are already making plans and placing orders for next season.
Connecting with these experts during the winter is helpful because it’s their off-season and they will have more time to discuss your plans and your budget in detail. They will also help you identify and prioritize your needs — whether you are adding sod to a residential, commercial, or municipal space, the experts can help.
Expert Tip: We recommend working with licensed contractors and using the services of local turfgrass sod producers as they will offer quality products that will perform well in your region and environment.
Measure Your Project Space Accurately
When planning your project, you will require accurate measurements. Calculating how much sod you will need is a key step in planning your project.
Here’s how to measure for your project in two easy steps:
- Draw a sketch of the planting area and note any features or elements that will not require sod. This could include pathways, flower beds, trees, shrubs, lighting, etc.
- Using a measuring tape, measure the planting area and note it in feet. If your measurements are under a full foot (e.g. 8.5’), round the measurements up to ensure that you have enough sod to cover your planting area.
Expert Tip: Click here to use the NSGA turfgrass sod calculator. This will ensure that you are ordering enough sod to complete your project.
Consider Sod Types & Classifications
In Ontario, there are several high-performing and beautiful sod types to consider.
Some of the most popular kinds of sod include the following:
Kentucky Bluegrass Sod
- Highly recommended by NSGA, this all-purpose sod is a first choice for Ontario climates for use in sunny to slightly shady locations.
- Its excellent colour and texture make it an attractive, high-quality turf, especially for residential lawns.
- Also used for parks, cemeteries, institutional grounds, boulevards, golf courses, sports fields, offices, and commercial lawns.
Kentucky Bluegrass/Fine Fescue Sod
- Nursery sod grown from a seed mixture containing 90 to 95% by weight of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and 5 to 10% by weight of creeping red, chewings, or hard fescue cultivars.
- An all-purpose sod with moderate shade adaptation.
- Suitable for residential lawns, parks, cemeteries, institutional grounds, boulevards, golf courses, sports fields, offices, and commercial lawns.
Fine Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass Sod
- Nursery sod grown from a seed mixture containing 60 to 70% by weight of Kentucky bluegrass cultivars and 30 to 40% by weight of creeping red, chewings, or hard fescue cultivars.
- A less attractive, lower-maintenance sod having higher tolerance to shade and drought stresses.
- Suitable for any turf area requiring shade tolerance and/or minimal maintenance.
There are many details to consider when planning your turfgrass and landscaping projects. Connect with your local producer to get the support you need to make your project a success.
