Garden Knowledge

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Installing Sod

Enjoy an instantly beautiful and mature lawn without the hassle.

Cultivated turf, or sod, creates lush lawns without the labor and patience. There is no need to spread seeds and water constantly until they sprout. You can have the lawn you desire right now.

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 driveways. Water the prepared area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for turf. If desired, a starter fertilizer such as Greenview Seed Starter Fertilizer Plus Crabgrass Preventer may be raked into the soil before placing the sod.

Installation

sodSod should not be left rolled up for more than 24 hours. Protect the 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.

Start Now

We would love to help you get the process started. At Briggs, we offer fresh sod. For information on purchasing and delivery of sod, please head over to our Bulk Goods & Delivery page.
 

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