Step 1. Measuring And Ordering
With a measuring tape, measure the area of your planned lawn in square feet. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width, and any unusual features.
Use our Sod Calculator to calculate the number of sod rolls required for your project or bring in your sketch and we will be happy to determine the amount of sod you will need.
We offer delivery; call us to schedule your sod order after your prep work is completed and you are ready to install. Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.
Step 2. Soil Preperation
Clear the site of all building materials, stumps, rocks, or debris that is larger than 2-3” in diameter.
Prevent drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations. Ensure grade is at least 1” below sidewalks and curbs.
Remove all weeds and till the area to a depth of 5”, prior to addition of any soil amendments.
Add topsoil to achieve a total depth of 4-6” of quality screened topsoil, after firming.
Finish grading the entire site with a heavy duty rake.
Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water to firm the soil surface and reveal any low areas needing more soil.
If you are considering an irrigation system, it is easier to install it during this step.
Step 3. Installing Your Sod
Begin installing the sod along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk.
Butt edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching, to avoid gaps or overlaps.
Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion.
Use a shovel or large sharp knife such as a carpet knife or a box cutter knife to trim corners, etc.
Repeated walking or kneeling on the sod during installation could cause indentations or air pockets, so try to limit.
Roll the entire area to remove air pockets between the sod and soil; pressing the roots firmly into the ground, encouraging growth to start immediately.
TIPS:
- Ensure you have the ground completely prepared before you order your sod.
- Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture as well. On slopes, place the sod pieces across the slope and peg/stake both ends of each roll to secure sod in place.
- If you are installing a large area of grass; start watering completed areas as soon as the sod is laid.
Step 4. Watering Your Lawn
Give your new lawn a good long soak; saturate the sod until the topsoil underneath has been saturated with water within 30 minutes of installation. Keep in mind weather conditions when applying water.
Water the new sod regularly for two weeks; water everyday for the first week and then every other day the second week. Always water long and deep in these first two weeks until it has rooted down and adjust watering schedule according to weather conditions. Once the sod has begun to root, start cutting to allow the sod to get into its growth cycle- this will greatly accelerate the root growth and reintroduce nitrogen back into the sod from the clippings.
TIPS:
- During hot summer conditions you may need to water twice a day (morning and night). If sod dries out, the sod pieces will contract and gaps will be left along the joints.
- Pay particular attention to areas along foundations and sidewalks, as they tend to draw moisture out of the sod.
Step 5. After Installation Of Sod
Stay off your new lawn as much as possible for the first 2 weeks.
Do not fertilize your sod until approximately 4-6 weeks. Our sod is fertilized on a regular basis.
Maintain a regular fertilizing schedule each year and over seed every spring to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to stay lush and full. A full lush lawn is the best defense against weed growth.
You may start mowing the lawn once the sod roots have begun to adhere to the ground, it is very beneficial to mow the lawn so that the growth cycle accelerates and by mowing the lawn more energy is diverted to root growth.
TIP: The first mowing of your new lawn; set your mower at a height of about 3-3.5inches during the summer months to allow the sod to stay cooler and not dry out as fast.
