INSTALLING the TURF

Installing turf will transform your lawn into a beautiful green, grassy carpet, in just hours. After installation, all you need to do is water, mow, and fertilize to maintain your beautiful green lawn. The grass is healthy and mature when it is installed, so it needs no special care. A comparable lawn from seeding will require years of nurturing to get the same results

• Measuring Your Lawn

  • To get the quantity of sod you need, and to be as accurate as possible, you should measure the area where you are placing the sod. Often times it is helpful to actually sketch the area and write down the measurements. We at Home Grown Turf, Inc. would also be happy to calculate the amount of sod you need once you call us with the measurement information.

  • Measuring is simple if the installation area's shape is square or rectangular. To get the square footage, multiply the length by the width of the area.

  • When the area's shape is a triangular you must multiply the length by the width and divide that by 2. This will give you the most accurate square footage for that area.
     

• Site/Soil Preparation

  • Using a professional landscaper is always to your benefit. A professional landscaper will till or spade the area, removing rocks, weeds, and all other debris. Then they add some soil amendments like fertilizer, lime, peat, compost, etc. as necessary. To eliminate drainage problems a landscaper will also slope the soil away from any foundations. Although site preparation usually is accomplished best by a landscape professional, you can also prepare your yard for sod installation.
     

• Things To Do Prior to Your Sod Installation:

  • Till the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches.

  • Rake and smooth the soil.

  • Keep the final grade 1 inch below driveways, sidewalks, or patio areas.
     

• To Complete Site Preparation:

  • Roll the soil to level and firm up the surface.
    This will also reveal areas in need of more soil and will prevent low areas in your landscape.
     

• Turf Installation

  • You must install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Once you have started placing the sod it is important to remember to water the lawn within 30 minutes of installation, even if installation is not complete. They best way to lay the turf is by butting and pushing the sod pieces against each other without overlapping and by avoiding gaps. On the next set of rows, stagger the seams in a manner similar to laying bricks.

  • Do not install the entire lawn before watering it. This is especially important during hot or dry weather. After you have installed the entire lawn, be sure to roll the entire area to ensure uniform contact with the soil, and always make sure the roller is not excessively heavy.
     

• Irrigating/Watering

  • Your new lawn should be kept constantly moist during the first week or two after installation. Water is vital to the health and survival of your lawn. Once the lawn is established, you can water in a normal pattern, watering it less frequently.
     

• Maintenance

  • Fertilizers and chemical applications depend on your soil, climate, insects, and weeds. You should consult with an extension agent in your area before applying chemical applications. Frequent mowing is the best thing you can do for your yard. You should also contact your county extension agent for the proper mowing height of your turf grass.