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Testimonials
Middlesex County's Choice for Sod Installation
Homeowners in Middlesex County trust Excellence Masonry and Contracting for quality sod installation. We serve Essex, Old Saybrook, and Clinton, providing expert grading and sod laying for perfect lawns.
The secret to a sod installation that "takes" quickly and thrives is ensuring perfect soil-to-sod contact. After preparing the soil base to be smooth and nutrient-rich, we lay the sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern to avoid aligning the seams. Immediately after laying, we use a lawn roller to gently press the sod down, eliminating air pockets and ensuring the roots are in firm contact with the topsoil beneath. This critical step promotes rapid root establishment, drastically reducing the time it takes for your new lawn to become a durable, usable part of your landscape.
Why Choose Us?
There are many construction, landscaping, outdoor living, and design companies to choose from- here is what makes us different.
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Our Approach is Thorough and Integrated- no stone is left unturned, and as a design-build company, we have an unmatched ability to assess, plan, and execute projects efficiently.
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The Team We Have is Experienced and Robust- our construction team is comprised of experts who are our family, friends, as well as long-time employees and subcontractors. Our company sprouted from a family business started 25+ years ago, and some members of our crew have more than 50 years of experience.
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Industry-Leading Warranties and a Client for Life Guarantee- on new installations and applicable repairs, we provide warranties well beyond State minimums, and well beyond what most construction, landscaping, masonry, or other companies offer. Our client for life guarantee means that we intend to stand by you and our work, for the life of our business. Our goal is to provide many services and complete many projects for you and the people you know over time. With this intention, we will always be available to address issues, make repairs, or provide maintenance for completed projects- regardless of warranty terms.
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Transparency and Consistent Communication- with us, all cards are on the table from our first conversation, through the end of the project. We want to provide you with all pertinent details, considerations, and options so you are educated and completely in control of your project and your money. Throughout the project, we uphold this commitment to transparency and communication by providing daily updates and informing you of any changes or new information immediately.
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Commitment to Professional Responsibility and Top-Quality- in our view, it is our responsibility to ensure your project is done to the highest possible standard within your budget and within the parameters of feasibility. You will not feel like it is "on you" to know what's best or to manage the project when you work with us, which is a common complaint we hear from clients' past experiences. We also have a commitment to top quality, which we display in our work, our team, our industry partners, and our process.
Our Approach to Projects
Of course, every project and every situation is different, and so is our approach.. Below is a general and simplified outline of our process. We can also bid and build to your preexisting plan or design.
1.
Discovery/Consultation
We start with a conversation to understand your intent for the project, assess your property, and determine the best next step- usually a rough estimate, quote or design agreement. Rough pricing, options, and preliminary considerations are discussed. Email, call or fill the form below to get in touch!
2.
Design / Planning
The design and planning phase is where we value engineer your project- and establish the scope of work, project pricing, and our installation/construction plan. This phase will look a bit different for each project and each scenario, with some requiring more design and pre-construction work than others.
3.
Construction
This is when the proposed plan comes to life! Expect a stress-free, transparent, and efficient construction experience due to our thorough design and planning process and consistent communication. Our team respects you, your project, and your property.
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Walk-Thru & Clean-Up
After the project is completed, we will walk through the project to go over any pertinent information and maintenance information, as well as to confirm that the project is completed as expected.
FAQ's
What are the main advantages of choosing sod over seed?
Sod provides an 'instant lawn' with mature grass that looks great immediately. It's ready for light foot traffic in about two weeks, is more effective at preventing weed growth, and provides immediate erosion control on slopes where seed might wash away.
How much do I need to water new sod?
Watering is critical. New sod needs to be kept consistently moist for the first 10-14 days. This often means watering 2-3 times a day for short periods. After the roots begin to establish, you can gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing the duration.
Do you still need to prepare the soil before laying sod?
Yes, proper soil preparation is the most important step for a successful sod lawn. We remove the old lawn and weeds, then grade the area to ensure proper drainage. Finally, we bring in and spread a thick layer of high-quality screened topsoil to give the new sod roots a healthy foundation to grow into.
When is the best time to install sod in Connecticut?
Sod can be installed any time during the growing season (spring, summer, or fall) as long as the ground is not frozen. Unlike seeding, which has a narrow window in late summer/early fall, sod can be laid successfully even in the summer heat with proper watering.
Will I see seams in my new sod lawn?
Initially, you will see faint lines where the sod rolls meet. However, we lay the sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern and ensure the edges are tightly butted together. With proper watering, the roots will knit together and these seams will become invisible within a few weeks.
How much do I need to water new sod?
Watering is critical. New sod needs to be kept consistently moist for the first 10-14 days. This often means watering 2-3 times a day for short periods. After the roots begin to establish, you can gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing the duration.
Will I see seams in my new sod lawn?
Initially, you will see faint lines where the sod rolls meet. However, we lay the sod in a staggered, brick-like pattern and ensure the edges are tightly butted together. With proper watering, the roots will knit together and these seams will become invisible within a few weeks.
Do you still need to prepare the soil before laying sod?
Yes, proper soil preparation is the most important step for a successful sod lawn. We remove the old lawn and weeds, then grade the area to ensure proper drainage. Finally, we bring in and spread a thick layer of high-quality screened topsoil to give the new sod roots a healthy foundation to grow into.
When is the best time to install sod in Connecticut?
Sod can be installed any time during the growing season (spring, summer, or fall) as long as the ground is not frozen. Unlike seeding, which has a narrow window in late summer/early fall, sod can be laid successfully even in the summer heat with proper watering.
What are the main advantages of choosing sod over seed?
Sod provides an 'instant lawn' with mature grass that looks great immediately. It's ready for light foot traffic in about two weeks, is more effective at preventing weed growth, and provides immediate erosion control on slopes where seed might wash away.