Soil Preparation
Remove all exiting weeds and debris (rocks the size of a golf ball and larger, sticks, etc.) from the area in which you wish to sod. Bringing in black dirt will depend upon the soil that you currently have.
How to measure for sod
Depth (in feet) x width (in feet) = square feet.
The example below shows a lot that is not square. In this case, take the average distance in depth and multiply by the average distance in width (measured in feet). This gives you the total square feet of your lot. Then subtract any areas that are not to be sodded (house, driveway, patio, etc.) using the same formula. This will give you the approximate square feet of the area to be sodded.
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Avg. Depth = 110' + 80'/2 = 95'
Avg. Width = 120' + 90' /2 = 105'
105' x 95' = 9975 Sq. Ft.
Total Square Feet = 9975
Minus area of house = 1500
Minus area of drive = 1000
Approx. area to be sodded 7475 Square Feet
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How to install your new sod
- Begin laying sod at a straight edge such as a sidewalk, driveway, curb, or string between two stakes. When sodding your whole yard, it is recommended that you work from the backyard to the front. Stagger the rows as if you were laying bricks with the seams butted together tightly but not overlapping. Once an area of approximately 200 square feet is installed, begin watering immediately. DO NOT WAIT until the entire lawn is installed before watering. Your sod is like a wet sponge. It is moist when it's laid down and if it's not watered immediately, the sod will shrink and will not return to its original size when finally watered and will show cracks between each roll. If your sod looks dry or has a bluish look, the sod has already been damaged and is dying.... water immediately! When you water everyday it takes less water to keep the sod moist.
- Keep rotating sprinklers on to freshly laid sod while continuing to install the remainder of your yard. Sod is perishable therefore this will help keep the sod moist and prevent it from drying out.
- The first day of watering is the most crucial. Your sod must be saturated before you turn in for the evening.
- Rolling- If you see lumps in your yard and wish to roll them out, do so within the first week. To ensure successful rolling be sure your lawn is very damp before rolling. When rolling your sod be sure to pull the roller along and not push it. Rollers can be rented from the local general rental store.
- Water the newly laid sod heavily (with most sprinklers and systems, this means 1 to 1 ½ hours in each spot).
- For more information on watering and maintenance go to your printable care sheet Maintenance of your new lawn.
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