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