Sod Installation

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

The following are basic steps to a beautiful lawn.

Step 1: Measuring & 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. Bring your sketch to a Best Feeds Garden Center and we will calculate the amount of sod you will need. You can calculate it yourself by multiplying length X width in feet. Take this number and divide it by 4.5. This gives you the exact number of pieces of sod you will need.

Schedule your order for sod after preparatory work is competed and you are ready to install. Prompt installation of sod 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. Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations, etc.

Soil test your lawn area to check for proper pH and any lacking nutrients. Rake in fertilizer, lime, and compost as needed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Rake and smooth the soil, removing rocks, roots, and large clods. Firm the soil by rolling the area lightly with a lawn roller or,

for small areas, tamp down with your feet. This helps reveal low areas that may need more soil. Keep the grade about 1 inch below sidewalks or driveways.

Step 3: Turf Installation

Install your sod immediately upon purchase. Begin watering with 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive.

In hot weather, protect unlaid sod by placing stacks in shade, covering with moist burlap 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. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges, as they will not retain moisture. When sodding hillsides, place the turf pieces across the slope.

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

Step 4: Watering

Give your new lawn at least 1 inch of water within ½ hour of installation. Water daily, keeping 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. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot and dry spells.

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Babcock	North Park
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