10 easy steps to a perfect sod installation. |
| 1. |
Soil bed should be turned, amended, leveled and watered ahead of time, just as it would be for seeding. If you are replacing a severely weed-infested lawn, spray the area with a weed killer to kill off all vegetation before turning or tilling. |
| 2. |
When preparing a large area for sodding, a power tiller makes the job easier. A rear-tine model is best for tearing up tough old sod. Water the lawn the day before tilling to make it damp but not muddy. |
| 3. |
Use a garden rake to break up remaining soil clumps and to gather up and remove old grass clumps, stones and other debris turned up by the tiller. Smooth and level the soil bed. To allow for the thickness of the sod, make the lawn bed one inch lower than adjacent surfaces such as walkways and driveways. |
| 4. |
For optimum results we recommend amending the soil with our GardenPro Lawn Soil which is specifically designed for this purpose, just follow the instructions on the soil bag. Work this into the existing soil with an application of a high-phosphorus fertilizer for good root development. |
| 5. |
Start at a straight edge such as a walkway or driveway and work in manageable sections such as 10' x 10'. Try to finish one section before starting another. Use stakes and string (Fig. A) to establish a straight edge if necessary. |
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| 6. |
In the event you must kneel or stand on newly laid sod when installing another row,(avoid this if possible) use a four or five foot plank to kneel on spreading your weight over a wider area. This will prevent your knees from crushing root systems and leaving indentations. |
| 7. |
Butt the sod strip ends and edges tightly together being careful not to overlap sod strips. Do not pull or stretch strips during installation, this will damage roots.
Stagger rows in a brick pattern (Fig. B) so that joints from one row do not line up with joints in adjacent rows. Begin watering the first strips of sod within 15 minutes after strip is laid. |
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| 8. |
Use any sharp pointed tool or sturdy garden scissors to cut and form odd shapes and strip sizes that may be required around areas such as flower beds or curved walkways.
When necessary fill in all joints between sod strips with soil using a trowel and tamp down to make joints level. |
| 9. |
To ensure good root contact between the sod and the soil bed, roll the newly sodded lawn with a light weight roller and water thoroughly. |
| 10. |
Continue to water thoroughly every other day for two weeks until sod roots bind to the lawn bed. |
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Note: It is best to have all the site preparation work complete before sod is delivered. Install sod as quickly as possible after delivery and do not allow sod strips or lawn bed to dry out before installation. |
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Caution: Keeping the lawn bed moist is important but do not over-wet into a muddy condition. |
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Rows of parallel lines will be visible between the strips of sod when first installed. These lines will gradually fade as the grass grows together, usually by four weeks, creating an evenly lush lawn surface. |
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