Sodding yourself

If you plan on installing your lawn yourself and save some money, we have a few tips to help the job go
easier.

1) Prior to delivery of your sod, make sure all ground is level and free from debris. If you are contracting for
grading, make sure it is completed before your sod is delivered.

2) Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and
moisture to survive!

3) Begin installing turf 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
edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope.

4) As soon as you are able to start watering without interfering with your work, do so. Do not wait until you
are completely done with your entire lawn to start watering. The longer the sod is installed without receiving
water the greater the chance of problems.

5) Water to the point of soil saturation under the sod. We recommend leaving a sprinkler in one area for a
minimum of 30 minutes, picking up the sod to see if the dirt under the sod is wet and then continuing to
water if necessary until dirt is wet under sod.

6) For further information on watering and mowing newly installed sod return to our home page and click on
maintenance and care. For more detailed information on long term care check out our links page.