Sod Installation Tips
How to Measure your yard for Sod?
Multiply the length times the width. This will give you the total square footage to order.
We suggest adding 5% to the total for any irregular shaped areas.
How to Prep for Sod Installation:
- 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.
When to schedule your Delivery:
Order the amount of sod you need and schedule the delivery for the day you plant to start laying your sod. We require 72 hours lead time to schedule your sod delivery.
Installing sod the day of delivery is imperative to the success of it’s establishment. Sod is a living plant that requires immediate water, nutrients, and air to live and establish itself.
How to install your 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.
Watering your Sod:
- 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.