installation & care
Step 1 Measure the Lawn Area
Sketch and measure the area of the lawn.
See example below.
Step 2 Soil Preparation
Rototill or spade to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Remove sticks, stones, roots, debris, and large clods. Add amendments (enriches soil) and agricultural lime or gypsum (enhances drainage). Rototill or spade amendments into soil. Test the PH. A range of 6-7.5 is recommended.
Step 3 Grading
Work, level, and smooth the area with a rake. Make sure the grade is ½” below driveways, walkways, and borders; and 1” below sprinkler heads. Roll the area with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water. Fill in low areas, and roll again. This important step provides an even, firm surface. Pre-irrigate the surface the evening before installation. It is essential that sod is not installed on a dry surface.
Step 4 Turf Installation
Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Begin installation along a straight line; a driveway or sidewalk. Butt edges together tightly, avoiding overlap or gaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion as in the illustration to the right. Use a sharp knife to trim corners, around trees, sprinklers, etc.
TIP: Never let newly installed sod dry out. Water lightly as small areas are completed.
Step 5 Water and Roll
When installation is complete, water the entire lawn for 10 minutes. Using a roller 1/3 full of water, roll the entire area to ensure complete contact with the soil. To prevent indentations or air pockets, avoid repeated walking or kneeling on newly installed sod.
Step 6 Initial Irrigation
Soak the sod to depth of 6 inches. Do not let the sod dry out. New sod and the top soil must be kept evenly moist all day for the first two weeks.
Irrigation Tips
Water requirements can vary for locales with greater precipitation. The guidelines below are for warm weather and/or drier climates. The necessity is that the sod base and soil remain evenly moist for the first two weeks for rooting to occur.
First 14 days
- 60°-70° 8 am, 1 pm, for 15 minutes
- 70°-90° 6 am, 12 pm, 3 pm for 20-25 minutes
- 90° + 6 am, 10 am, 2 pm, 4 pm for 20-25 minutes
- If run off is excessive, or sod is soggy, reduce the length of time; not the frequency
After 14 days
- Daily for 20-25 minutes. Shaded areas may require less water
After 30 days
- 2-3 times weekly for 30 minutes. Shaded areas may require less water
Helpful hints
- Avoid watering at night as it may promote lawn diseases.
- During periods of extreme heat or dry winds, the lawn may require additional water.
- The object is to water deeply, less frequently to encourage deep rooting.
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