Sod Care
PREPARATION:
- Rototill or hand-spade soil to a depth of 4"
- Remove any sticks, stones or other debris
- Rake smooth, filing any low spots
- If rolling is desired, it should be done at this point. This too will fill in any low areas
ORDERING:
- Measure the area to be sodded and calculate the square footage to be ordered. (length x width = square footage). We can assist you if needed.
- Place your order and install within 24 hours of delivery. Sod left rolled up for more then 24-36 hrs. will start to turn yellow from lack of light.
LAYING SOD:
- Start with a straight line, such as a sidewalk or a driveway.
- Lay sod, making sure each piece is pulled tightly together, without overlapping or leaving spaces between rolls.
- Stagger the joints in each new row, like rows of bricks.
- Use a sharp knife for cutting sod around trees, flowerbeds or along borders. Sod rolls should be cut on the dirt side for better fitting pieces.
- Insure sod is making good contact with the soil by completely soaking within 30 minutes of installation
SOD CARE INSTRUCTIONS:
WATERING:
New sod needs water three times daily for the first three weeks at suggested times of 6:00am, 12:00 noon, and 4:00pm. Then twice per day the following two weeks at 10:00am and 2:00 pm. (Watch for color changes listed below). Then water once per day during the remaining growing season in the morning if possible. It is important that you have a good sprinkler or sprinkler system, that puts out large droplets of water, keeping them close to the ground. You can make sure that your sod is properly watered, by lifting up a corner of your sod and making sure that it is soaked through to the ground. You may want to hand water edges as they tend to dry out faster. It is best to water in the early morning to gain the most from you water.
Don't forget to water in the winter when the temperatures are 40 degrees or above. Your sod grows all year round even though the top will go dormant. Winter watering will help your sod turn green sooner in the spring.
Don't forget to water in the winter when the temperatures are 40 degrees or above. Your sod grows all year round even though the top will go dormant. Winter watering will help your sod turn green sooner in the spring.
FERTILIZING:
Fertilize upon installation. We recommend you fertilize every six weeks during the growing season, with Supercrop 20-20-10. We have this available for you at our office. When you fertilize, make sure that the lawn is dry and apply 10 pounds per 1000 square feet. Water twice daily for 3 days after application to dissolve your fertilizer. We recommend a broadcast spreader set at 3-5 for a drop type, set at 2-4.
MOWING:
The ideal length for bluegrass is 2 1/2" to 3". Mow at least once a week. A good rule of thumb, never take off more than 1/3 of the blade when mowing, and make sure that your blade is sharp. New sod needs to be mowed 7 - 10 days after installation.
PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS:
Dark blue green or silver sod: Too Dry water immediately
Pale Green sod: Needs fertilized
Straw looking sod: Has already gotten to dry and will take 2-4 weeks to green back up during prime growing season. Water several times daily.
Sandy Soil: Sandy soil requires more water and fertilizer than clay soil.
Pale Green sod: Needs fertilized
Straw looking sod: Has already gotten to dry and will take 2-4 weeks to green back up during prime growing season. Water several times daily.
Sandy Soil: Sandy soil requires more water and fertilizer than clay soil.
TRAFFIC CAUTION:
Use newly sodded lawns sparingly until a good root system has been established. This will usually take 3-4 weeks.
DISCLAIMER:
Remember sod is a perishable product and needs care to grow. Therefore we only guarantee it to the point of delivery or installation.
