Sod Installation And Lawn Care

You can choose to install new sod on your own or hire a professional landscaper. For the do-it-yourself option, we have some lawn installation tips. We can also help with recommendations for a local landscaper in your area; therefore, please do not hesitate to ask us. Also, refer to our Five Tips to Get The Right Landscaper.

When you order grass turf from Western Turf Farms Ltd., you give yourself a real break on maintenance. your new grass lawn can be looking its best in just two weeks, while seeded lawns require a lot of early maintenance and can take 1-2 years to show well. You can install sod any day of the year, provided the ground isn’t frozen or snow covered. In just a few weeks after installing your sod, your lawn is ready to enjoy all year round.

Preparing The Site

1. Clear the site of all building materials, (wood, cement blocks, debris) and any stones or rocks that are larger than 2 inches.
2. Rough grade the entire area to eliminate any drainage problems on the site. This includes sloping the grade away from building foundations, eliminating or reducing severe slopes and filling low areas.
3. Till or loosen this initial grade of soil before spreading topsoil. This can help prevent weeds, alleviate compaction, improve root and water penetration.
4. Add quality topsoil to a depth of 4-6 inches. It should have a ph of 6.0-7.0, and be a sandy/organic soil to allow good nutrient retention.
5. Fix poor drainage areas by removing 4-6 inches of soil and replace it with 2 inches of drainage rock, and add Pure Washed sand to bring the lawn back up to desired height
6. Finish grading the area, leaving ½-3/4 inch near sidewalks to allow for the new sod thickness.
7. Roll the entire area with a half full roller. This will firm loose areas, and allow for a quality installation job. Regrade any areas that may need.
8. Spread turf starter fertilizer over entire area. Usually 18-12-14, or 18-18-18 is sufficient to give the sod nutrients to start with.

Installing Your Sod

When we deliver the sod for your lawn it has been freshly harvested that morning; therefore, we recommend that you install it the same day to help the root systems settle.

1. Prior to installing the sod, moisten the soil lightly. Sod must be installed immediately upon delivery. In hot weather, protect un-laid sod by placing pallets in the shade. Lightly water the pallets is an option.
2. Begin installing the sod along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt edges and ends of sod against each other tightly. Avoid gaps and overlaps. Stagger joints in each row in a brick-like fashion. Use a sharp knife to cut and shape corners and edges. On sloped areas, run the sod across the slope.
3. If you need to work or walk on the freshly laid sod, use boards, or sheets of plywood. This will keep footprints from sinking in.
4. After installing the sod, roll the entire area to eliminate any air pockets, and insure good soil to sod root contact.
5. After installation, water the lawn immediately, with at least 1 inch of water. If it is hot out, water behind yourself, as you lay each pallet. Water daily, as required, to keep the sod from drying out. If the sod is allowed to dry out, during this root in period, it will not recover. Water areas close to buildings more often, where reflected heat can dry the sod. Allow at least 2-4 weeks of close water monitoring to insure the best results.
6. After the initial 2-4 weeks, the sod should be sufficiently rooted in to allow less frequent irrigation.

Caring For Your Lawn

When you first install your new grass sod you will need to water it regularly for the first three weeks, depending on the weather. You can do this with either a irrigation system or sprinklers. Below are our watering recommendations to help your new grass lawn root and establish well.