Step-by-Step
Installation Guide
How to prepare soil for sod
Identify the areas of your lawn that you want to sod and begin by removing all weeds, rocks, and debris. Work the soil up to a depth of 6 inches, taking care to break up any clumps or clods you encounter.
Once the soil is properly aerated, mix in high-quality topsoil (do not use any mulch compost 50/50 blends or manure). It is recommended to blend in 3 yards of topsoil per 1,000 square feet of lawn and mix thoroughly.
Grade and roll the soil
Carefully smooth out the soil area to create an even surface and identify any depressions or irregularities that should be addressed prior to installation. Remember to grade the surface to a depth 1 to 1 ½ inch below paved surfaces such as driveways, patios, and walkways to accommodate the thickness of the sod.
Fertilize
Scatter fertilizer (ideally with a triple 15 or 15-15-15 nutrient ratio) onto the soil evenly at the rate of one pound per 200 sq. ft. of lawn area. Rake lightly and water. Be sure the soil is level and smooth before laying the sod. Avoid laying sod on bone-dry soil.
How to install sod
Lay the first strip of sod slabs along a straight line (use a string in irregular areas). Butt joints tightly and ensure edges do not overlap. On the second strip, stagger joints like laying bricks. Use a sharp knife to cut the sod to fit curves, edges, and sprinkler heads.
Water
Don’t wait to water until the entire lawn is sodded. Once a conveniently large area is complete, water lightly to prevent drying. The warmer and dryer the weather, the greater the need for this fast initial watering. Continue laying and watering the sod until the installation is complete.
Irrigate
Proper care is critical during the first 10 to 14 days after installation. Sprinkle the lawn at regular intervals to keep it moistened to at least an 8-inch depth as the sod establishes. Once the sod is rooted, you can reduce the frequency of watering, but apply larger amounts of water each time. If you're using drought-tolerant sod, it will require even less frequent irrigation once established.
Best Time to Lay SOD
While early spring and fall are ideal seasons for sod installation due to cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, sod can successfully be installed year-round with proper care. With the right watering and maintenance, the best time to lay sod can be any season, including the warmer months when many homeowners choose to enhance their lawns.
SOD Maintenance Guide
After your sod is fully installed and rooted, follow a proper sod maintenance guide to ensure its longevity. This includes regular watering, mowing, and fertilization schedules based on the type of sod you’ve installed.