This walks you through the process of laying sod and caring for it after its installation.
The soil pH should be in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.
If the soil is too alkaline, addhorticultural sulfur, composted oak leaves, or pine needles.
Credit: Carson Downing
Fill low areas withgood-quality topsoil.
Work in organic matter if the soil is sandy orfull of clay.
Take advantage of this opportunity to improve the soil; adding amendments is easy when the soil is bare.
Credit:BHG / Michela Buttignol
Step 3: Smooth the Soil
Smooth the soil with a metal garden rake.
Be sure to distribute any bumps or piles of soil to create a flat area.
Finish preparing the area by compacting it slightly with a lawn roller.
Step 4: Lay Sod
Lay sod on a cool, overcast day to minimize plant stress.
If the soil is dry, moisten the surface of the planting area before putting down the sod.
Stagger strips in a brick-like pattern, and be sure that all pieces fit tightly together.
A utility knife or sharp spade is handy for cutting sod to fit irregular areas.
Once the sod is in place, fire off the sod roller over it to eliminate air pockets.
It takes two to three weeks for the soil to root.
To look to see if the sod has rooted, gently tug at it.
If you feel resistance, the roots are anchored in the underlying soil.
Do not mow the sod until it has firmly rooted.
Credit: Carson Downing
Credit: Carson Downing
