Sod Installation Printable instructions

Soil Preparation
Begin by clearing all existing grass, weeds, rocks, roots and large clods. If your existing soil is poor, bring in a minimum of 3" of topsoil and incorporate with existing soil. Grade areas being careful to provide drainage away from structures and not create low spots where water can pond. Rake and float area, lightly roll with a lawn roller 1/2 full of water, then float or smooth again. Apply Dolomite lime at the rate of 40 lb per 1000 sq ft and a starter fertilizer at the rate of 8 lb per 1000 sq ft. Lightly rake in lime and fertilizer. Do not use weed and feed type fertilizer as a starter.

Installation
Have area prepared prior to delivery. Lay sod as soon as possible after delivery. Lay sod perpendicular to any slope greater than 10 to 1. Stagger end seams like laying brick, keeping joints as tight as possible but not overlapping..

Watering
The first watering after laying your sod should be a  deep watering, approximately 1" (water until 1" of water fills a container, such as a pie pan). Then water daily or more often, keeping moist until sod has rooted into the topsoil (usually 2- 3 weeks) . After the sod has rooted, less frequent but deeper watering should begin. The exposed edges along driveways, walkways and buildings where heat reflects require more frequent watering.

Mowing
Mowing can begin 7-10 days from installation, mow lawn 1 1/2" from ground level. Mowing height can be lowered after the lawn is established to 1" if desired but if drought conditions occur, cutting heights of 2" will help you maintain your lawn with a minimum of water. Never mow more than 1/3rd of the grass blade at one time, since plant injury may result.

Fertilizing
Fertilize 30 days from installation with a balanced fertilizer such as 16-16-16. Apply at rates recommended by the manufacture, usually 8 lb per 1000 sq ft. After the your lawn is established we recommend using a slow release 28-7-14 with 40% of the nitrogen from Nutralene applied at the rate of 8 lb per 1000 sq ft in the early spring, mid summer, and the fall. Applied to established turf this formulation provides a good early response followed by weeks of visually pleasing color and uniform growth. This will promote excellent turf quality while producing fewer clippings, which this results in less mowing

Agri-Turf Inc. 16821 51st Ave NE Arlington 98223