Turf Installation Guide

Cultivated turf allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual time-consuming hassles of seeding.

Following these basic steps for a beautiful new lawn:

Step 1 - Measuring & Ordering

Measure the area of your planned lawn with a tape measure. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width and any unusual features. We will be happy to assist you in determining the amount of turfgrass sod you will need from your sketch.

Schedule your turf order for delivery after prepatory work is completed and you are ready to install. Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.

Step 2 - Soil Preparation

For best results, rototill or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. You can eliminate drainage problems by having the soil slope away from foundations.

Test your lawn area's soil with the assistance of a qualified service in your area. Then rake in fertilizer, lime, peat and compost as needed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Rake and smooth the soil while removing rocks, roots and large clods. Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller 1/3 full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas that need more soil. Keep the grade 1 inch below sidewalks or driveways.

Water the prepared area to settle the soil and provide a moist base for the turf. Moistening to a depth of 6 inches is recommended for most soils.

Step 3 - Turf Installation

Install your lawn immediately upon delivery and begin watering within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive!

In hot weather you can protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in the shade, covering them with moist burlap sacking, or sprinking with water occasionally.

Begin installing your turf along the longest straight line such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push the edges and ends against each other tightly without stretching them while avoiding gaps or 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 outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope.

To avoid causing indentations or air pockets, avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the turf while it is being installed or just after watering.

After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf to soil contact and remove air pockets.

Step 4 - Watering

Give your new lawn at least 1 inch of water within 30 minutes of installation. Water daily, or more often, and keep the turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin.

Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering, but be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Areas near buildings where reflected heat dries the turf should also be watered more often.

Caution

Avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn during the first three weeks. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit together with the soil and insures that the turf will remain smooth.

Maintenance

Your new sod lawn will increase your property value significantly and with proper care, it will remain a great asset that provides beauty, a clean playing surface and an improved environment.

Keep your mower blade sharp and mow your new lawn often, but don't remove more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing.

Fertilizer and chemical application will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weed and disease conditions. For fertilizer and maintenance requirements, feel free to contact us.