For best results, lay and water your sod as soon as possible, never later than 24 hours after pickup/delivery. Remember, rolled sod can overheat quickly and is considered perishable.

Step 1: Planning

Assess Your Lawn Area

Measure the area where you plan to install sod to determine how much you need. This ensures you purchase the correct amount and avoids any waste.
Example: Length x Width = Total square footage / 9 Square feet (each roll of sod's square footage) = The number of rolls required.

Step 2: Prepare Your Soil!

Prep the ground by removing any old grass, rocks, and debris.
Rake the soil to loosen the dirt. We recommend 4”- 6” of debris-free tilled soil.
Depending on your soil health and structure, you may want to add soil amendments. Incorporate compost, peat moss, or fresh topsoil to give the sod a surface to bind to.

Step 3: Apply Starter Fertilizer!

Before sodding apply a fertilizer to the bare soil with a higher percent of Phosphorus and Potassium to assist in root development. We carry a 6-24-24 that would be perfect. One 25kg bag will cover 10,000 square feet.

Step 4: Unroll and Lay Your Sod!

Start by laying the first row of sod along a straight edge. As you place more rolls, be sure to stagger them similar to brickwork. This helps to prevent seams from lining up and promotes a more uniform appearance. Make sure to butt the edges of the sod tightly together without overlapping. Avoid gaps between the pieces as this will create air pockets, prevent water from penetrating beneath, and allow weed seeds to germinate and grow.

Step 5: Trim!

Using a sharp knife, edger, or shovel, cut and place smaller pieces of sod to fit around curves, flower beds, and other obstacles. Ensure all the edges are snug against any hard surface; this will help prevent the sod from drying out.

Step 6: Roll!

Rolling is not necessary but can help improve root-to-soil contact. You do not need anything heavy—just a small roller filled halfway with water. If you’re unable to roll, substantial watering will provide the same results.

Step 7: Water Immediately!

Water your sod thoroughly with a minimum of 1” within the first hour of being laid, and be sure to water it every day after this. For larger areas, using a water truck service to get the initial saturation is a great way to achieve this.
Do not overwater and create pools of standing water on your lawn, but water well enough that the sod squishes under your feet if you step on it. After approximately one week, you can reduce watering to every other day. Continue to reduce watering until the fourth week.
One really good watering is better than several little ones.

Step 8: Traffic

Be cautious with heavy traffic on new sod for approximately 2-4 weeks to allow the roots to establish.

Step 9: Mowing

Mow When Ready
Wait until the sod has rooted, usually about 2-3 weeks, before mowing. Set your mower to the highest setting for the first few mows, then gradually lower it to your desired height.

Conclusion

Sod installation is a straightforward process that can transform your yard quickly and effectively. By following these steps and maintaining proper care, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, lush lawn in no time. Happy gardening!

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Sod Installation