Cultivated turf (sod) allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual time-consuming hassles of seeding.
Soil Preparation
Rototill or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Eliminate drainage problems by sloping soil away from foundations. Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots and large clods. Keep the grade 1 inch below sidewalks or driveway. Water the prepared area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for turf. If desired, a started fertilizer such as Greenview Seed Starter Fertilizer Plus Crabgrass Preventer may be raked into the soil before placing the sod.
Installation
Sod should not be left rolled up more than 24 hours. Protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap sacking or unrolling. Make sure that turf strips stay damp.
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, avoiding gaps and overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion using a large sharp knife to trim corners. Avoid leaving small strips at the outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope. Begin watering the lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the turf while it is being installed or just after watering.
Maintenance
Water daily to keep the turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Mow often, removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height per mowing.
