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Ground Preparation and Sod Installation
Measuring
It is probably a good idea to start a sodding project by drawing or sketching your new lawn area
using actual measurements. Measure the area, and multiply the length times the width to determine
the square footage needed. Us any of the following formulas to estimate the amount of sod you will need.
It is always a good idea to add a little extra (5%, for example) to your order to compensate for any irregular
areas or mistakes in estimating.
Soil Preparation
Proper soil preparation is probably the most overlooked step in the installation process, but it is by far the
most important. Begin by removing the existing lawn or any debris, such as weeds, rocks, construction trash,
etc. Work the soil to a minimum depth of 4 to 6 inches, using a rototiller, tractor, spade or another device to
break up any compaction. If your soil type is either sandy or a heavy clay, add a soil amendment to enhance
the soil capacity to hold moisture and nutrients. It is also beneficial to have your soil tested to determine if it
has any deficiencies (pH or nutrient) that must be corrected. Level the area 3/4"-1" below sidewalks, existing
turf, etc., to accommodate the new sod. After leveling, roll the area to firm the soil and relevel as needed.
Watering the soil thoroughly several days prior to installing the new sod will allow you to determine if any further
depressions are apparent. Always have the site fully prepared before attempting to lay your new sod lawn.
Sod is perishable!
Installation
Before laying your sod, apply a preplant fertilizer that contains a high phosphorous content and lower amounts
of nitrogen and potassium. The nutrient values on a bag of fertilizer are expressed in percentages, such as
12-12-12, with the first number representing nitrogen, the second, phosphorous, and the third, potassium.
The values are expressed in lbs/1000 sq. ft. This preplant application will further ensure that the sod puts
down roots as quickly as possible.
Begin laying the sod using a straight edge, such as a sidewalk or driveway. You can also use a chalk line to
establish a good starting point. Lay the sod in a brick-like pattern so that the seams are staggered. It is
generally best to lay all the full, uncut pieces first to minimize waste. To cut the irregular pieces of sod, use
any type of knife; for example, a linoleum knife works quite well. Avoid as many small pieces of sod on the
edges of your lawn to minimize the problem of dryout. If you are laying sod on a slope, always lay the sod
perpendicular to the slope as opposed to up and down.
On warm windy days, begin watering before you have laid the entire lawn. Once you have laid a sufficient
area, begin watering lightly to prevent dryout. Start watering within 1 hour of initially laying the sod. After
installing the sod in the entire area, water the area to moisten the sod, and then roll it lightly (roller 1/3 full
of water) to take out any depressions and also to force the sod into contact with the soil. Within 4 hours,
thoroughly water the entire lawn so that the sod and the soil underneath are completely wet.
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