Soil Preparation
Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots, and large clods. Keep the grade one inch below sidewalks and driveways.
Installation of Sod
Install your lawn immediately. Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Sod is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive!
Begin installing sod 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 sod across the slope. To avoid causing indentations or air pockets avoid repeated walking or kneeling on sod while it is being installed or just after watering.
Watering of Your Sod
New sod requires a lot of water. Immediately after installation, soak the sod thoroughly so water goes through the sod into the ground 1-2 inches. Keep the sod watered to this level until roots are down. Once the sod is rooted down, usually 2-4 weeks, water normally to keep it green.
Refrain from using hand sprinkling, as it fails to deliver the required consistency.
Choose sprinklers and systems that ensure even coverage across the specific areas they are intended to irrigate.
Fertilizing and Mowing
Fertilizing: Your new sod was fertilized at the place it was grown; therefore, it will need no fertilizer until the fall or next spring. If you fertilize sooner, you risk killing the sod. When you fertilize, use a 10-10-10, 12-12-12 or similar mixture and follow the manufacturer's instructions on application rates.
Mowing: You can mow your sod on the highest mower setting once it is rooted down. New sod will die if you mow it at a shorter level. Each week after the initial mowing can lower the deck one level at a time.