Cultivated turf allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual time-consuming hassles of seeding. The following are the basic steps to a beautiful lawn.
Tools/Materials Needed:
Tape measure, paper, and pencil for planning your lawn area.
Debris removal tools (e.g., shovel, rake).
Rough grading equipment for initial soil shaping and drainage improvement.
Tiller for preparing the subsoil.
Topsoil and humus or fully decomposed organic matter for soil enhancement.
Heavy-duty rake or tractor-mounted box blade for finish grading.
Lawn roller for compacting the soil and smoothing out the surface.
Fresh sod for installation.
Watering hose or sprinkler system, connected to a reliable water source, for initial and ongoing watering.
Sod cutting knife for trimming the sod to fit your lawn area properly.
Lawn mower with a sharp blade for ongoing maintenance.
Fertilizer for nurturing and supporting healthy grass growth.
Steps
Measure and Plan:
Using a tape measure, determine the dimensions of your lawn area and sketch it out, noting any unique features. For irregular shapes, divide your lawn into regular sections and measure each separately.
Calculate Sod Needs:
Utilize our sod calculator to estimate the amount of sod required. Each roll measures 2 feet by 4.5 feet and covers 9 square feet.
Schedule Delivery:
Arrange for next-day delivery with Fairgreen North to ensure freshness. Install your sod on the same day as delivery to prevent damage from heat.
Prepare the Site:
Clear the area of debris, address drainage issues with grading, till the subsoil, and add topsoil mixed with humus. Finish by re-grading and rolling the surface to create an ideal base for the sod.
Install Sod:
Lay sod immediately upon delivery. Start watering within 30 minutes of installation to ensure viability. Lay turf along the longest straight edge, such as a driveway, and stagger the joints like bricks, trimming as necessary. On slopes, lay sod perpendicular to the incline.
Roll and Water:
After laying, roll the sod to enhance contact with the soil and eliminate air pockets. Initially, water your lawn to a depth of at least 2 to 3 cm (about 1 inch) within 30 minutes of installation. Continue to keep the sod moist until roots establish in about two weeks, then switch to less frequent, deeper watering.
Maintenance:
Adjust watering based on weather conditions, ensuring adequate moisture during hot, dry, or windy periods. Water more frequently near buildings due to reflected heat.
Caution:
Initial Use: Avoid heavy use of your new lawn for the first three weeks to allow roots to firmly knit with the soil.
Mowing: Mow frequently, removing no more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Keep your mower blade sharp.
Fertilization: Tailor fertilizer applications to your climate, sod type, soil, and any pest or disease conditions.
Follow these steps for a successful sod installation and enjoy a lush, low-maintenance lawn. For more details, refer to our full soil preparation guide.