Five Steps for Sod Preparation and Installation
Measure area for Sod
Multiply the length times the width. This gives you your total square footage to order.
Suggestion: Add 5% to the total for irregular shapes. Consult our online calculator to assist in determining square footage requirements.
Soil Preparation for Sod
- Clear the site of all rocks, stones or other debris that is larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Rough grade the entire area to eliminate drainage problems by sloping the grade away from building foundations and filling low-lying areas.
- Till the existing soil to a minimum depth of at least 2 inches before adding any topsoil or soil amendments.
- Add topsoil, if necessary, to achieve a total topsoil depth of 4-6 inches.
- Test the soil pH according to the guidelines described at http://www.umass.edu/plsoils/soiltest/brochlink1.htm Sodco, Inc. recommends the UMASS Soil testing lab based on its prompt and professional service. Follow the recommendations regarding lime or gypsum addition to correct pH discrepancies.
- Apply "starter fertilizer" that is high in phosphate (P, or the middle number on a bag of fertilizer), at a rate recommended for the particular product. Typical starter fertilizer recommendations are (N-P-K) of 10-10-10 or 19-19-19. Lightly incorporate this starter fertilizer into the top 2-3 inches of topsoil to avoid root injury.
- Lightly tamp or roll the topsoil to settle the surface and create an ideal surface for installing the sod.
Order Sod & Schedule Delivery
Order necessary amount of sod and schedule delivery on the day you plan to start laying your sod.
Install day of delivery! Same-day installation of your sod is imperative to the success of establishment. Sod is a living plant that requires immediate water, nutrients, and air to live and establish itself.
Laying Your Sodco Sod
- Start at a straight line such as a driveway or walk.
- Lay out the sod as you would a rug or tiles.
- Make sure all joints are butted tightly together - without overlapping or spaces between strips of sod.
- Stagger the joints in each row like rows of bricks.
- Use a large sharp knife for shaping sod around trees, at flower beds or along borders.
- Completely soak the sod with at least 1" of water. Start watering 20 minutes after the first strip is laid.
- Roll the sod to smooth out small bumps and air pockets. This will assure good contact with the soil.
Immediate Watering Schedule
- To gauge watering, simply place an empty can about 6"away from sprinkler.
- When there is an inch of water in the can, it is time to move the sprinkler to the next area.
- Reflected heat along buildings dries sod quickly; be sure to water such areas more often.