Sod Installation and Care
Installing Sod
Site preparations are complete, sod has been ordered, and it is time for your sod installation. It is often beneficial to moisten the area to be sodded just prior to sod delivery and be sure to install the sod immediately upon delivery.
If you choose to have your sod delivered (an available option for larger orders), the sod will be delivered on pallets that hold 500 to 600 square feet per pallet. Our driver will be happy to assist you and your crew and place the pallets around your work site for you. During hot or dry weather, protect the sod as much as possible from the hot sun. You might also lightly water the unprotected turf in order to help to keep it cool until installation.
To begin installing the turf, start rolling out sod along the longest straight edge possible such as a driveway or sidewalk. Lay sod in a straight line along this edge, making sure to butt edges tightly together without overlapping. Next, install a second row and lay sod in a brick-like fashion next to the first row. Butt the second row up to the first, once again pushing edges against the first row of sod.
Do not overlap edges of sod or stretch them to fit!!!
Continue laying sod in this manner and work to the outer edges of your site.
Try to avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the sod as it is being installed in order to prevent indentations in your new yard.
Avoid leaving small pieces of sod at any outer edges as these pieces will tend to dry out quickly.
Also, be sure to lay sod so pieces run across any slopes rather than up and down the slope. No special tools are required for your sod installation. A Stanley knife or sharp steak knife can be used to cut any sod pieces to size
After installing the turf grass, it is often beneficial to lightly roll the project area. This step will ensure better turf grass to soil contact and can help to remove any air pockets in your newly sodded project.
Watering Sod Upon Installation
It is crucial to begin watering your newly laid sod immediately. As soon as you complete one area of sod, you can begin watering that area. It is recommended that you give your new lawn at least one inch of water within a half hour of the installation process. Water daily until the sod is firmly rooted (this will usually take about two weeks.) Be sure that your daily watering causes moisture to soak through the sod and into the ground below. You can verify this by pulling back an edge of turf and checking to see that the soil below is moist.
Watering Tips
Water entire lawn and check the edges...
Water during the cool, early morning hours...
Areas near buildings might need more watering...
Be sure to check these areas regularly.
After the sod has been watered frequently and deeply for about 2 weeks, you can adjust your watering schedule to the needs of the new lawn. It is a good idea to transition to a less frequent and deeper watering schedule to allow for your sod roots to penetrate more deeply into the subsoil. Most established lawns will do very well with one inch of either rainfall or irrigation per week during the growing season.
Avoid heavy traffic on your newly laid sod (Both during the installation process and until the roots are firmly fixed).
Mowing and Fertilizing your New Lawn
You can begin mowing your yard as soon as the sod is rooted in. Try to set your mower blade at the highest setting and avoid sharp turns as this will damage your new sod. A rule of thumb is to cut no more than the top 1/3 of the blade of grass and keep your mower blades sharp. Kentucky Bluegrass is best kept at a height of at least 2 to 2 1/2 inches. This will help to keep your yard healthy, allowing for maximum regeneration and minimal weed invasion.
Your sod has been fertilized and maintained at our Farm but after a few weeks, you can begin your own fertilizing procedures. Check with your local Lawn and Garden Center on how to establish a fertilizer schedule for your yard.