Rocky Mountain Sod Growers Association

Installation of Sod

Sod Installation Guide — Getting Ready

Prepare your site prior to the arrival of the sod. Remember to do the following:

Remove weeds and debris.
Establish a rough grade and eliminate low spots.
Spread and rototill a minimum of 3 cubic yards of organics per 1,000 square feet at least 4 inches deep.
Level and rake the installation site until it is smooth.
Grade areas along sidewalks and driveways approximately 3/4 inches below top of concrete.

Be sure you have on site hoses and sprinklers for the initial watering.

Make sure sprinkler system is performing properly.
Understand the operation of your sprinkler clock for proper watering of the new sod and established lawn.

Order your sod from an RMSGA member.

Members of the RMSGA are experts. Collectively they have over 300 years of experience in growing, maintaining and selecting the proper turf for your situation.

Sod Installation Guide — Installing Your New Sod

Many sod growers will install your new sod for you. However, if you will be installing the sod, remember to do the following. Failure to do so may result in poor lawn quality and possibly a breakdown in lawn establishment.

Install Sod Immediately After Delivery

Arrange the rolls so there is a minimum amount of traffic on the prepared soil and the newly installed grass.
Lay sod in a horizontal brick pattern.

Once an area of approximately 20 feet by 25 feet has been laid, water immediately. The objective is to not let the sod dehydrate.
Butt ends and sides of the sod strips making sure there is no overlapping.
Fit the sod around obstacles or in smaller places by merely cutting the dirt side with a sharp knife or shovel.

Water Properly

When the sod is laid, begin watering to build up the sub-soil moisture.

This is the most critical time to apply water.
May require up to 1/2 inch of water per day for the first 2-3 days.
Probe the soil to determine if the moisture has penetrated at least 4 inches.

During the following 2 weeks, the amount of water needed will be similar to the chart provided in LAWN CARE.

Each day may require more than one application depending upon wind and temperature.
The reason for a couple of light applications is to keep the root zone and blades moist.

Week 3 is used as a transition period from daily watering with frequent applications per day to an increased number of days between watering.

During this time the grass should be ready for routine maintenance.

By the end of the establishment period the grass should be able to go
several days between watering depending on the season and weather.