Sod Installation & Care
A great lawn starts with proper preparation and lush Kentucky Bluegrass from Mountain River Sod. There are two important components to preparing a site for sod installation: soil preparation and grading. Proper care of your grass after installation will ensure that your new lawn will be enjoyed for years to come.
Soil Preparation
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Remove leftover debris and rocks.
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Add in top soil if the current soil is not adequate for grass growth.
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If possible, till soil to a depth of 2-4 inches and bring to a rough grade.
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Ensure that there are no low spots in the yard that will acquire standing water.
Grading
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Final grading and raking can take place the same day the sod is applied, or up to a week in advance.
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Rake the soil to 1½ inch below any nearby driveways or sidewalks.
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Remove all rocks and debries larger than 2 inches in size.
Sod Installation Guide
Sod is a living plant that requires contact with the soil and good moisture to stay healthy. It is best to install the sod immediately once it has delivered.
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Start laying sod at a straight edge, like a driveway, sidewalk, fence, or side of a house. You can also use a string.
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Stagger each rolled out piece of sod similar to how brickwork is laid out.
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Butt all of the edges and sides of each piece of sod tightly, but do not overlap them.
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Ensure sod piece maintains its original length (stretching sod will cause open seams once it dries).
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Work from the finished sod area rather than the soil when possible.
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Use a spade or sod knife to trim the rolls; this is helpful when trimming ends and around irregular shapes.
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Tamp down pieces with a flat shovel or your foot to remove any bumps.
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Try to install one irrigation zone at a time so that water can immediately be turned on after each section is done.
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Keep sod rolls damp and in the shade if possible until you are ready to install them.
Sod Care Guide
After your sod is installed it is important to take the right steps to get your lawn off to a healthy start.
Watering
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After the sod has been installed is the most critical time to water. Begin watering within 30 minutes of installation, and preferably after each irrigation zone is covered with sod.
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Water morning, noon and late afternoon to apply at least 3/4" to 1" of water each day for Week 1 to ensure the soil beneath the turf is wet.
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Probe the soil to ensure that the moisture has at least penetrated 4 inches.
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Ideally, 3″-4″ beneath the surface should have sufficient moisture.
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For Week 2, water about 1/4 of an inch of water every day, again within 2-3 different watering sessions. Soil should be saturated without puddling.
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By Week 3, you want to start a normal watering routine to encourage deep root growth.
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Watch your lawn. If you have areas that turn gray, apply water immediately by turning on your sprinkler system or by hose.
Mowing and Fertilizing
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New sod can be mowed about a week after installation or when it appears to be ready.
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Use a push mower if possible and set the cutting height to 4 inches.
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Avoid using a riding mower for 3 weeks as they are heavy and their tires can damage fresh sod.
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Feed lawns with the proper fertilizer 3-4 times during the growing season.
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Use slow-release or controlled-release Nitrogen when possible, especially during the spring and fall applications.
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You should wait 4 to 6 weeks after laying new sod to fertilize your lawn. This allows it to establish a strong root system. Applying fertilizer too early (within 30 days) can burn the delicate, shallow roots. Once the sod has rooted—meaning you cannot easily lift the turf—apply a starter fertilizer.
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We recommend a 15-15-15, nitrogen/phosphorous/potassium fertilizer. Spring, summer & fall: 5 lbs / 1000 sq ft.