Preparation
 The area where you plan to install sod should have 4-6 inches of good soil that is smooth, firm and free of rocks and weeds. Ideally, the ground should have some subsoil moisture, but should not be muddy. Make sure to leave 1-1 ½ inches between the finish grade of your soil and the top of sidewalks, driveways, etc. to allow sufficient depth for your new sod.
For faster rooting, use a starter fertilizer. Ask about our DG blend. A starter fertilizer can be raked into the top ½ inch of the soil before you lay the sod, or spread after the sod is installed.
Sod is perishable, so keep it moist
at all times. In hot weather, lightly sprinkle the pallets of sod to keep the edges from drying out.
Installation
 Start by laying your rolls of sod in a straight line. Stagger the rolls as you would bricks. Make sure all rolls are butted tightly together without overlapping or leaving gaps between them. You can use a sod knife or an old serrated steak knife to cut your sod.
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On a slope, prevent runoff by laying rolls across the slope rather than with it.
It is important the sod does not dry out during installation. Make sure to water the newly installed sod every 20-30 minutes, or perhaps even more often in extreme heat.
Immediately after installation,
thoroughly soak your new lawn.
Watering
 In summer, after sod installation, water 3-4 times each day for 10-15 minutes each set during daylight hours. Continue this watering schedule for 7-10 days or until rooting develops sufficiently to prevent the sod from being lifted from the soil. These short, frequent waterings are very important to ensure the roots and the soil beneath stay moist.
However, if you are installing sod in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler, the daily waterings may be reduced to 1-2 times each day for 10-15 minutes each set.
During the first few weeks, try to keep people and pet traffic on your new lawn to a minimum. The moist ground is quite soft and it’s easy to leave unwanted ruts or footprints.
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After the sod has rooted, gradually reduce the frequency of watering and increase the duration. Ask us at DG for help in developing a watering schedule to fit the needs of your new lawn and landscaping.
Care
 Mow your new lawn, as needed, 10-14 days after installation. Don’t remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade maintaining a cutting height of at least 2 ½ inches. Make sure the ground is firm enough to support the weight of you and your equipment without leaving ruts or footprints.
Once your lawn is established, fertilize 4 times per year: Early spring, late spring-to-early summer, late summer and mid-to-late fall. Ask us at DG for fertilizer recommendations. An established lawn should also be aerated 1-2 times per year as needed.
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