Preparation is the most important step in successfully installing sod. That means having all the right information, tools and supplies. Order by the pallet online or stop in for in-store pick up.
Rototilling is key to loosening up the soil, mixing nutrients and air. It allows the sod to establish and survive stress through a stronger root system.
Supply and Tool List
Sod Cutter
Spades and rakes
Rototiller
Lawn Seeding Topsoil
Starter Fertilizer
Broadcast Spreader
Lawn Roller
Sod Staples
Sprinklers
Hoses
Step 1:
- Remove old sod with a sod cutter.
- Loosen the soil with a rototiller for large areas or spade for smaller areas.
- Sandy or heavy clay soils need to be amended.
- Sod needs good drainage and good soil to grow and thrive.
- A 3-to-6-inch layer of a good top soil mix or compost is recommended.
- Level soil and rake smooth, removing clumps, rocks, and debris.
Step 2:
- Add starter fertilizer. This will give sod a faster, healthier start and a better chance of surviving.
- Spread starter fertilizer with a broadcast spreader over the soil at recommended rate.
- Rake lightly into the soil.Â
Step 3:
- Using a push lawn roller or towable lawn roller, lay the sod to smooth it out. These can be rented from Gertens.
- Fill the roller with water, the weight helps flatten out any lumps.
- Secure the sod to the ground with sod staples. This ensures good contact between the roots and soil, while preventing new sod from slumping down any hills.
Step 4:
- Watering is critical.
- Water two to three times daily until sod has properly rooted.
- To tell if the sod is properly established (rooted), gently pull on the sod. If it remains firmly in place, it has rooted.
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!
