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TOOLS and TURF

  Care and Installation

Sodding your lawn allows you to enjoy instant beauty and maturity without the usual time-consuming hassles of seeding.

When purchasing turf, consult a member of the American Sod Producers Association in your area, to be assured that you are getting the finest quality turf available.

The following are basic steps to a beautiful lawn. Check with your local ASPA member for any further recommendations for your specific area.

STEP 1- Measuring & Ordering  

• With a tape, measure the area of your planned lawn. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width and any unusual features. Your local ASPA member will be happy to determine the amount of turf you will need delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.

STEP 2- Soil Preparation

• For best results, rototill or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc.
• Soil test your lawn area with the assistance of a qualified service such as an extension agent. Then rake in fertilizer, lime, peat, compost, etc. as needed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches.
• Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots, and large clods. Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas that need more soil. Keep the grade I inch below sidewalks or driveway.
• Water the prepared area to settle soil and provide a moist base for turf. A depth of 6 inches is recommended for most soils. However, consult with your local ASPA member regarding your specific soil needs.

STEP 3 - Turf Installation 

• Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Sod is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive!
• In hot weather, protect unlade sod by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap, and/or sprinkling.
• Begin installing sod along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edge as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place sod across the slope.
• To avoid causing indentations or pockets, avoid repeated walking or kneeling on sod while it is being installed or just after watering.
• After installing turf, roll the entire area to improve (sod/soil contact and remove air pockets).

STEP 4- Watering                                         

• Give your new lawn at least 1 inch of water within 1/2 hour of installation. Water daily or more often, keeping sod moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin.
• Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods.
• Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

Caution

• During first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with soil, and insures that the turf will remain smooth.

Maintenance

• Your new sod lawn increases your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.
• Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing. Keep your mower blade sharp. Follow local ASPA mowing recommendations for your type of lawn.
• Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weed and disease conditions.
• For fertilizer and maintenance requirements, consult your local ASPA member or an extension agent.

  A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

  Watering New Sod
  Water Sod lightly after each 200 square feet are installed, to prevent wilting. After all the sod is down and rolled, turn on your sprinklers and let them run until the sod is good and soaked. To keep it that way, for the first week water until runoff begins once every few hours at 7 am, 11 am and 2 pm. During the second week water twice a day at 7 am and 2 pm. During the third week water Sod once a day at 7 am. Eventually taper back to once every two or three days. Adjust according to weather and season - water more frequently during warm/dry or windy weather. Do not water new sod between 4 pm and 4 am.
  
  As a general rule, you can water once per day for the first three weeks. If dry spots appear in the lawn during the afternoon, the irrigation time should be increased. If dry spots persist, an irrigation uniformity problem is likely, and an additional sprinkler head may be required. After the first three weeks, you should begin to taper back to once every two or three days, depending on how quickly the sod is rooting. Generally speaking, as the root system grows deeper, irrigation frequency should be reduced.
  
  Watering Established Sod. 

  After your lawn has become established (approximately 6 to 8 weeks), water according to the following guidelines:
  
  As infrequently as possible (once or twice a week in the cooler months, three or more times per week in the warmer months). For as long as possible to get deep soil penetration (up to 30 minutes). It may be necessary to cycle irrigate if runoff occurs after just a short time water until runoff occurs, then stop and wait for the water to penetrate (usually 1 to 2 hours), then repeat. As early as possible - first thing in the morning. Do not water between 4 pm and 4 am. Do not water areas in the shade as frequently as the areas of your lawn that receive full sun.
  
  In addition, be sure to watch for a blue-gray tint and limp areas of your lawn. This is not a fungus. It is caused by dehydration and is an indication that immediate watering is needed. This will usually occur on tops of mounds, or areas where sprinkler coverage is not adequate. (It is acceptable to water in full sun, it will not burn the blades.)
  
  Mowing
  
  Begin mowing weekly one week after installation. Using a rotary mower, cut Sod at a height of 2 to 3 inches. Do not mow off more than 1/3 of the length of the grass blades at one time. A sharp mower is essential - white or yellow grass blade tips are the result of a dull mower. Always remove the grass clippings or use a mulching mower.
  
  Fertilizing
  
  (SEE LAWN CARE)  If your lawn is yellowish light green in color overall it is an indication that fertilizer is needed.