Preparation/Installation

STEP 1: Soil Preparation

Strip away existing grass and debris.  Grade the area to improve drainage by having the soil slope away from the house and building foundations.  Rototill the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. 

If you do not have good topsoil, it is ideal to purchase screened topsoil from a reputable supplier in your area and spread to a depth of at least four inches.  Rake and firm the soil using a roller if necessary.  You do not want to leave indentations when walking on the soil.     The pieces of sod must contact the soil surface completely. 

The pH of the soil should be 6.5.  The only way to determine this is to perform a soil test. You can purchase an electronic tester or solution tester.  Generally, to raise the pH of 100 sq. ft. of soil by half a point requires five pounds of lime.  For instance, if your soil test shows the pH at 5.5, you need to apply 10 pounds of lime per 100 sq. ft. to bring the pH to 6.5. 

 A starter fertilizer should also be applied.  Do not use any fertilizer that contains a herbicide at this time.  Follow the recommendations on the bag for the amount to apply which will be based on the analysis of the fertilizer.  Incorporate the lime and fertilizer into the top two inches of soil by raking.

STEP 2: Sod Installation

Install your sod immediately upon delivery.  Begin watering the sod within 15 minutes of installation.  Sod is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive!
Begin installing the sod along the longest straight line, such as your driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push the 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 sod pieces across the slope.

To prevent indentations or air pockets, avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the sod while it is being installed or just after watering.  After installing the sod, roll the entire area to improve sod to soil contact and remove air pockets.

STEP 3: Watering (Extremely Important)

Water within 15 minutes of laying each roll of sod.  This initial watering is very important.

If you have an underground sprinkler system, don’t wait until you have an entire zone completed to water.   It is ideal to hand-water with a hose as the sod is being laid.  Once you have a zone completed, turn on that zone.  

The water you apply will prevent the sun from evaporating the moisture out of the grass plant.  Initially, apply one inch of water.  After that, visually check the appearance of the grass and water as needed throughout the day.  Do not let the plants wilt or become a blue-gray color.  The pad of sod and soil should be kept moist. 

The sod should be rooted to the soil in approximately 10 days, depending on temperatures.  At this time, 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 conditions.  Water areas near buildings, sidewalks, and driveways more often as reflected heat will dry the grass plants in these areas sooner than in other areas.