Measuring for Sod, Soil Preparation, Installation, and Watering

Proper sod installation and maintenance allows you to enjoy a lawn of instant beauty and maturity without the usual time-consuming hassles of seeding. When purchasing turfgrass sod, consult a member of the Korby Sod LLC Installation team to be assured that you are getting the finest quality and best performing sod for your area. The following are the basic steps to a beautiful lawn.

STEP 1 – Measuring and Ordering

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

Schedule your order for delivery of turf after preparatory 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 result, rototill or spade the area to a depth of 10 to 15 cm. (4 to 6 in.). Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc.

Soil test your lawn area with the assistance of qualified service in your area. Then rake in fertilizer, lime, peat, compost, etc. as need to a depth of 7 to 10 cm. (3 to 4 in.). Rake and smooth the soil 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 2 to 3 cm. (1 in.) below sidewalks or driveway.

Water the prepared area to settle soil and provide a moist base for turf. Moistening to a depth of 15 cm. (6 in.) is recommended for most soils. However, consult with your local TPI member regarding your specific soil needs.

STEP 3 – Sod Installation

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

In hot weather, protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap sacking, and/or sprinkling.

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. 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 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/soil contact and remove air pockets.

STEP 4 – Watering

Give your new lawn at least 2 to 3 cm. (1 in.) of water within 1/2 hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin.
soil
Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near building more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

Caution:

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

Maintenance:

Your new sod lawn increases your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.

Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing. Keep your mower blade sharp. Follow local TPI mowing recommendations for your type of lawn.

Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weed and disease conditions.

For fertilizer and maintenance requirements, consult your local TPI member or an extension agent.

This article is from TurfGrassSod.org

Prepare the site properly. This will insure the best results when the sod is laid. Remove weeds and debris, rough grade low spots, 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 sidewalk and driveway areas approximately one and one half inch below the top of the concrete.

INSTALL SOD WITHIN 24 HOURS OF DELIVERY.

Immediately Following Sodding

Water your new sod three times daily for the first two weeks. The sod should be kept damp, about 1/2 inch per day for the first 2-3 days. Keep trarffic across the new sod to a minimum. Heavy traffic will separate and disturb the underlying grade. After three weeks, adjust the water times and sprinkler clocks to conform to the water restriction program in your area.

Water Your New Turf

Make certain that all areas of your new lawn are getting water. Corners and edges are sometimes missed by the sprinkler system. Look for areas that might slope causing water to run off. Water with a hose-end sprinkler if necessary. Early morning watering is best to take advantage of the grass’s normal growing cycle.

How Much Water

One inch per week is standard for most lawns but will vary with temperatures and sod variety.

First Mowing

Wait until your grass reaches a height of 3.5 inches to 4 inches before the first mowing. Adjust the height to approximately 3 inches and be sure the blades are sharp. Do not water the day before mowing. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade per mowing.

We provide top-notch delivery service, sod installation, and pickup locations conveniently located. We offer sod delivery in Denver, Highlands Ranch, Broomfield, Fort Collins, and Cheyenne Wyoming. We also offer sod pickup from Wellington Colorado with additional sod pickup locations coming soon.

Buy direct from our sod farm and save money with several sod varieties to choose from. See why Korby Sod is top-rated for sod in Colorado and Wyoming. Give us a call or text us today for more information or to purchase sod. Wellington (970) 568-7633, Denver (720) 262-3818 or toll free (844) 285-5606 (phone only)

“More often than not, the quality of the plants included with these too-good-to-be-true landscaping offers is very poor and does not meet minimum industry or mandated standards in the Colorado Nursery Act,” said Laura Pottorff, CDA’s Program Manager for the Nursery, Phytosanitary, Plant-Pest Quarantine, and Seed programs. “Trees and other landscape plants are a significant investment made to add value to our property. Be wise and informed.”

Anyone looking to sell nursery stock including trees, shrubs, turfgrass, sod, and other perennial plants must be registered with the state. This is required by the Colorado Nursery Act which helps protect homeowners. Plant materials offered for sale must meet strict standards for plant health and pest freedom that gives these trees and other plans an increased rate of survival.

Korby Sod was established in 1980. We have been green for over 39 years. We offer the highest quality sod for your home with excellent service in Colorado and Wyoming with delivery, installation, and pickup services available. Are sod varieties include Vortex, Athletic Sports Turf, Black Beauty. Give us a call today to talk directly to our sod farm and help with your sod needs. Denver (970) 568-7633, Wellington (970) 568-7633 or Toll-Free (844) 285-5606.