A lush, healthy lawn isn’t as challenging or expensive to achieve as you might think — especially if you’re the sort of homeowner who enjoys do-it-yourself projects.

And it’s never been easier for DIY homeowners to install their own lawns. Earlier in 2022, Hawaiian Turfgrass began growing its residential grass varieties in native soil. This offers numerous benefits over growing on plastic, according to Sean Fong, president of the Mililani company, but the biggest benefit of all has been making homeowners very happy.

“It’s the smaller dimensions of our slabs,” Fong says. “They’re just 16 inches by 24 inches in size. Pieces grown on plastic are 2 feet by 4 feet and much harder to handle. Our slabs are easier to install, with less stress on the back.”

Do-it-yourselfers can achieve a healthy lawn by following some simple preparation steps, says Fong.

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“If they pay careful attention to each step, their lawn should thrive for years.”

OAHU’S TRUSTED SOURCE FOR QUALITY TURFGRASS

Thanks to online ordering from Hawaiian Turfgrass, it’s simple to shop for a new lawn. Packed with comprehensive information about each of its turfgrass varieties, the company’s website includes a comparison chart with the three top performing sods in categories like low maintenance, fertilization needs and drought tolerance. Its website has all the tools you need to choose the best grass for your lawn, including an area calculator that uses satellite mapping to help you determine its square footage.

The company offers both pickup and curbside delivery for homeowners who want to do their own installation. Prepping for installation is a multistep process, Fong explains.

“Go through each step carefully,” he says. “That’s how to protect your investment!”

First, remove the old lawn and all weeds organically, or with herbicides. This critical step will take two to four weeks. Take your time; you’ll want to make sure that weeds and old grasses don’t start growing through the new sod.

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“Next, rake and remove roots and plant material,” says Fong. “Loosen and till the soil, then rake till the surface is level.”

The third step involves soil amendment — adding material to the soil to improve its physical properties. Spread about an inch of good compost across the area, then till it with existing soil.

“That avoids soil layering, and creates a healthy surface loaded with nutrients,” explains Fong.

Then, use drum rollers to level the surface.

THE FINAL STEP IS INSTALLATION

“Plant the sod over your compost base in a checkerboard pattern, and push the seams together,” Fong says. “Use the drum roller to help your new sod make contact with the compost beneath it.”

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Water your new lawn two or three times a day for the next three weeks, he advises.

With Hawaiian Turfgrass, it’s easier and quicker than ever for DIY homeowners to purchase and install a beautiful new lawn. Visit hawaiianturfgrass.com to place an order and arrange for pickup or curbside delivery. Prefer to let us handle the job? Call 808-371-0527 to schedule complete turnkey installation (minimum 400 square feet) by Jan. 31 for a $500 discount!

HAWAIIAN TURFGRASS
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
CONTACT 808-371-0527
ADDRESS 94-840 Lanikuhana Ave., Mililani
WEB hawaiianturfgrass.com