Site Preparation & Sod Installation Tips
Although we do a lot of the hard work for you — seed, water, fertilize, water, weed, water, fertilize, water, harvest, and did I mention, water? — once we deliver the sod, you’ll need to install it or have a qualified landscape or lawncare company install it for you. If you plan to install it yourself, there are some key steps to remember.
Here are some tips for site preparation and installation that you’ll want to follow if you’re installing the sod yourself:
If your installation site material is soil (mineral-based) you want to ensure the sod you’re purchasing is also mineral-based for the best root establishment.
Ideally, the sod you are installing should have been harvested within 24 hours of when you are installing it. Luckily we harvest on-demand so as long as you have a plan to install it as soon as it’s delivered or within one day of receiving it, you are in the clear.
Take the time to smooth out the site where the sod will be installed. The sod will conform to the modulations in your soil so if there are bumps in your soil, there will be bumps in your grass.
Slightly moisten the soil at the installation site before laying sod, not so much that it’s a mud pit, but enough to provide some immediate moisture to the sod you’re about to lay.
When laying the sod, make sure the seams are staggered (as pictured).
Example of staggering the sod when laying it down (photo credit: UMN Extension Office)
After sod is laid out, you can use a hand roller to ensure the roots of the sod have sufficient contact with the site soil.
For the first few weeks, or until roots begin to establish themselves, you want to keep the sod moist but not saturated. After the root development begins, start to reduce watering.
Continue to water regularly, but not over-saturate, for 10-14 days and keep traffic to a minimum. After this 10-14 day period you should perform a “tug test” - gently tug on the sod in a few different spots to see if the sod lifts easily or if you feel some resistance. If you feel resistance, this means the sod has rooted in to the soil it was installed on and can now be treated as an established lawn.
The final step — pull up a chair, grab a cold one, and enjoy!
If you’re installing your sod on a slope, stake each piece to hold it in place during installation and leave stakes in place during the 10-14 day root establishment period. Fill any cracks in with soil to prevent the edges from drying out
Source article for this information was originally co-authored by Sam Bauer for the University of Minnesota Extension Office: Seeding and sodding home lawns | UMN Extension