GROUND PREPARATION

Prepare the soil by rototilling to a depth of 4-6 inches.  Establish your final grade by raking and leveling the soil.  To eliminate drainage problems, slope soil away from foundations, etc.  Grade edges to 1" below sidewalks, driveways and patios to provide a smooth transition onto the new lawn.  Use a lawn roller if necessary to firm grade.  Apply a good quality "starter" turf fertilizer, following the manufacturer's recommended rate for coverage, to the soil surface.  We also recommend applying 50 to 100 LB.. per 1000 sq.ft. of ground limestone.  Rake both the fertilizer and limestone 1-2 inches deep into the soil.
 

INSTALLATION

Sod is highly perishable and must be installed on the day of delivery or pick-up.

Begin installing sod along the longest straight line, such as a sidewalk or a stretched string.  Push edges and ends against each other tightly without stretching.  Avoid gaps or overlaps.  Stagger the sod joints in a brick-like fashion.  Use a sharp knife to trim the sod.  On very warm days, water the top soil lightly just before sod installation to reduce the soil surface temperature.  If necessary, the sod can be rolled after installation.   Click Here!        For some installation pictures.
 

WATERING

It's very important to adequately water your new lawn daily for the first 2 weeks or so to prevent the sod from dehydrating.  It may be necessary to water  twice a day on hot and windy days. 

The new lawn is trying to establish it's root system in the ground so it can draw water from the earths soil. But until this occurs it will be relying on you for it's water.  So water, water, water!!!  

After the first 2 weeks your lawn will need approximately  1"- 1 1/2" of water per week.  It's recommended that a rain gauge of some sort is used to measure the amount of water being applied to the new lawn.  Place the gauge in the middle of the watering area and keep track of the amount of time needed to acquire one inch of water from your watering system. 

Early morning watering is best so that the grass blades dry off quickly which helps prevent disease problems.  

MOWING

Mowing can usually be done 2 weeks after installation.  When mowing, NEVER REMOVE MORE THAN 1/3 OF THE EXISTING GRASS BLADE AT ANY ONE TIME.  The recommended mowing height is 2 to 2 1/2 inches.  Leave the lawn height higher in the summer to help relieve stress.
 

FERTILIZING

Most lawns require fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season (April-October).  Always follow the directions on the fertilizer's container.  Never hand apply fertilizer.  Use a rotary or drop spreader to evenly spread the fertilizer.  Fertilizer "burning" can result when excess fertilizer is applied on one area. Water your lawn immediately after fertilizing with enough water to wash in the application to help prevent burning of turf.  Please refer to the label on the fertilizer container for other specific instructions.

Try using a "slow release" fertilizer.  The food is distributed out evenly over time to the lawn providing for a more consistent feeding.  Slow release fertilizer also helps to reduce the chances of "Fertilizer Burn" while apply fertilizer during the warmer months. Remember to always follow the product manufacutres application instructions.
 
 
Printable version