Step by Step Installation

Sat Mar 14 2015 | installation | sod

  1. Site Preparation: How to Get Started

    • For complete renovation, kill and remove old lawn. Remove rocks and weeds.
    • Add soil amendments such as good organic mulch.
    • Spread 1-2 inches of mulch over the entire area to be sodded and rototill to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Manure alone as an amendment is not recommended. It can damage new sod.
    • Install an in-ground sprinkler system with an automatic timer clock. The sprinkler system should insure overlapping water coverage-use 4 inch pop up heads for best results. Impact or Rainbird type heads require longer periods of watering to keep sod from drying out and are normally used in large lawn areas.
    • Install drains in low areas.
    • Final grade of soil should be approximately 1 inch below all sidewalks, patios, driveways and sprinkler heads.
    • Finish grade should be smooth and medium firm.
    • Hard or extremely compacted soil will adversely affect root development.

  2. Installing Sod

    • Begin installing sod as soon as it arrives…do not leave sod rolls on the pallet for long durations. Install the first row along the longest straight edge or border.
    • Butt edges of sod tightly together, do not overlap. Stagger seams on the next rows, like laying rows of brick. Use a sharp knife to trim at corners, around trees, boarders and sprinkler heads.
    • Water sod periodically during installation, about every 200 sq. ft., especially on hot days.

  3. Watering New Sod

    • To insure that the new sod lawn does not dry out and die, it is very important to keep new sod thoroughly watered for the first week to 10 days after installation. Water new sod lawns at least 3 times per day for the first week.
    • A good soaking is usually 5-10 minutes with pop up type spray head sprinklers, depending on water pressure and flow rate.
    • Rainbird or impact type sprinklers require at least 30-45 minutes, 3 times per day, to soak new sod.
    • After one week, water 1-2 times per day for another week, depending on temperature, wind, etc…then continue to water as needed.
    • It is best to water in the morning; do not water at night or pre-dawn hours.