| Step 1 Measuring and Ordering | | | | important on hot summer days. |
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| Measure the area to be sodded. Take into | | | | Step 4 Watering |
| account any mounds, hills, or valleys in the | | | | |
| area to be sodded, as they will increase the | | | | Watering is the most critical step when |
| amount of sod needed due to the fact that it | | | | trying to establish (root down) your new |
| is not a flat surface. | | | | lawn. |
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| Make sure that all other prep work is done | | | | Start watering your new lawn within 30 |
| and that your irrigation system is working | | | | minutes of installation. You want to give it |
| properly. Sod needs water within 30 minutes | | | | about 1 inch of water. Keep watering at least |
| of being installed. | | | | 2 to 4 times a day keeping the sod moist. The |
| | | | length of time to water will depend on how |
| We cut our sod after receiving your order | | | | hot it is. If it is the middle of summer and |
| (usually the same day it is delivered) so you | | | | the days are hot, then give your new lawn |
| can be assured of the finest quality. | | | | some extra water in the afternoon to cool it. |
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| Step 2 Soil Preparation | | | | An easy way to tell if you are applying the |
| | | | right amount of water is to pull a piece of |
| First, loosen the soil to a depth of about 4 | | | | the sod back and check the moisture content. |
| to 6 inches. A garden rototiller works great. | | | | The sod and soil should be moist. If you take |
| | | | a hand full of soil and squeeze it, it should |
| Next, rake out any large rocks and other | | | | stick together. If excess water squeezes out, |
| unwanted materials. Slope the soil away from | | | | you are watering too much. If the soil does |
| buildings, driveways, etc. to eliminate | | | | not stick together, you need more water. |
| drainage problems. Smooth the soil keeping a | | | | Another trick is to just look at your lawn; |
| constant grade while filling in any holes. | | | | if it looks dry then it probably is. If it |
| Keep the grade about 1 1/2 to 2 inches below | | | | looks nice and moist, your watering schedule |
| driveways and sidewalks. Roll the area with a | | | | is probably right on track. |
| lawn roller. This will firm up the soil and | | | | |
| reveal any low spots. | | | | Keep watering on this schedule until the sod |
| | | | has rooted down. If you can't pull the sod |
| Water the soil to a depth of about 6 inches. | | | | up, it is rooted down. After it is rooted |
| This will provide a moist base for your sod | | | | your sod should take less water. Water deeper |
| while firming up the soil even more. Fill in | | | | (6 to 8 inches) and less frequently. |
| any low spots after watering. | | | | |
| | | | Step 5 Beginning Maintenance |
| Step 3 Installing Your Sod | | | | |
| | | | Until your sod is rooted, avoid heavy use of |
| Installing sod is not rocket science. Sod is | | | | your lawn. This will keep the sod smooth and |
| a living plant that needs immediate attention | | | | allow roots to fully develop. |
| for perfect results. | | | | |
| | | | Your sod comes from soil that has been |
| Install sod just as soon as you can after it | | | | monitored and given the right nutrients for |
| is delivered. If for some reason you must | | | | perfect growing conditions. In order to keep |
| wait, sprinkle with water to keep it moist. | | | | your sod green, give it a shot of fertilizer |
| Sod should be laid out within 12 hours of | | | | as soon as possible. Use a triple 16 |
| delivery to achieve maximum results. Begin | | | | (16-16-16) to start with. |
| installing along a straight line, such as a | | | | |
| driveway, sidewalk or the side of a building. | | | | Mow for the first time after the sod has |
| Stagger joints in a brick like fashion | | | | rooted down. Mow often keeping the blades on |
| pulling the edges together. Do not overlap or | | | | your mower sharp. Set the mower to cut about |
| leave gaps. | | | | 1/3 of the grass height. |
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| Hook up a sprinkler to a hose and water as | | | | With proper care your new sod will increase |
| soon as you have laid enough sod for the | | | | the value of your home while helping the |
| sprinkler to cover. This will cool the sod | | | | environment and remain a great asset for |
| and keep it moist. This is especially | | | | years to come. |