How to Install Sod

Cultivated turf allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual time-consuming hassles of seeding. When purchasing turfgrass sod, consult a professional sod producer in your area, to be assured that you're getting the finest-quality turf available. The following are the basic steps to a beautiful lawn. Be sure to follow these instructions.

Measuring and ordering

Measure the area of your planned lawn. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width, and any unusual features.

Basic soil preparation

Roto-till or spade the area to a depth of 4" to 6". Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc.

Follow these steps:

• Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots, and large clods.
• Till the area to a depth of at least 4" to 6".
• Add topsoil to achieve a total topsoil depth of 4" to 6".
• Soil test your lawn area with the assistance of a qualified service in your area.
• Rake in fertilizer, lime, peat, compost, etc. as needed to a depth of 3" to 4".
• Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller ⅓ full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas that need more soil. Keep the grade 1" below sidewalks or driveways.
• Finish grade the entire site with a tractor-mounted box blade on large areas (or heavy-duty rake on smaller sites).
• Water the prepared area to settle soil and provide a moist base for turf. Moistening to a depth of 6" is recommended for most soils.

Basic turf installation

Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Begin watering the lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive!

For successful installation:

• In hot weather, protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap sacking, and/or sprinkling.
• Begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching.
• Avoid gaps or overlaps.
• Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large, sharp knife to trim corners, etc.
• Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope.
• To avoid causing indentations or air pockets, avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the turf while it's being installed or just after watering.
• After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf/soil contact and remove air pockets.

Watering

Give your new lawn at least 1" of water within ½ hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping the turf moist until it's firmly rooted (about two weeks). Then, less frequent and deeper watering should begin.

Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

For more information refer to Watering.