Soil Preparation

Kill all grass and weeds with a non-selective herbicide. Remove surface rocks and debris. Add fertilizer or organic soil amendments as needed (consult your county extension agent). Till the soil and amendments to a depth of four to six inches. (This is the time to install an underground sprinkler system). Rake soil smooth removing rocks, large soil clods and plant roots. Be sure to keep soil grade about one inch below sidewalks and driveways.

Sod Installation

Install sod immediately when delivered. Start laying sod along a driveway or sidewalk and push edges together tightly without overlapping. Be sure to stagger joints of the sod to avoid continuous seams. Use a sharp knife to trim edges around landscape. Do not place small pieces of sod along outside edges. Begin watering sod within thirty minutes of installation. After light watering, roll the sod with roller to eliminate air pockets and ensure good sod to soil contact.  After installation, water your sod so that the sod does not dry out until the sod has tacked down to the soil surface.  Once the sod has tacked down, water as needed.

For Spring Transition Management of Overseeded Bermuda click here.