Call (817) 283-5656
Text (817) 540-1946
655 N Industrial Blvd, Bedford TX 76021
Sod installation tips
How to Lay Sod
Step 1: Choose a Type of Grass to Install
Step 2: Measure Your Planting Area
Step 3: Kill and Remove Old Grass
Step 4: Prep Soil and Level
Step 5: Lay and Roll Out New Sod
Step 6: Water, water and more water!
Steps for a Successful Lawn
Follow the steps below to establish a beautiful lawn your neighbors will be envious of!
Choose the right type of grass for YOUR yard
Selecting the type of grass for your lawn is probably one of the most enjoyable and important parts of the lawn installation process.
Here is a list of some things to do and think about before selecting a new turfgrass:
- Research the area and climate you are located in.
- Familiarize yourself with the different grass characteristics.
- Understand the visual differences between grass colors, textures and other physical aspects.
Read more about the varieties Sims Grass offers
here
Measure twice, order once
Sketch a diagram of the area to be covered with sod.
Measure the width and length of the area to be covered, and input those figures into your diagram.
Make sure to take the diagram with you when ordering your sod to help ensure that the proper amount is ordered.
Measure online using this
Area Calculator Tool
Kill and remove existing grass/weeds
Before installing new sod, it’s important to clear the area of any currently existing grass, vegetation or debris in the area you want to replace with new sod.
The difference between a selective and a non-selective herbicide is that a non-selective herbicide kills all vegetation it comes in contact with—so be careful not to get it on any desired shrubs, trees or your garden. A selective herbicide only works to kill the weeds it’s labeled to kill.
Be sure the product you purchase is a non-selective herbicide that will kill everything it comes in contact with to ensure your lawn is completely dead. A non-selective herbicide is more effective in making sure your old grass (along with previously existing weeds) doesn’t invade your new sod.
Follow ALL instructions on the product as directed and wait a minimum of 10-14 days prior to new sod installation after use.
Prep, prep, prep!
This step is very important. Proper site preparation makes it easier for new grass roots to penetrate deeply and evenly.
Deep roots will make the lawn denser and drought resistant, allowing for more efficient use of water and nutrients.
A dense lawn will outcompete weeds and resists insects and disease better as well.
Rough grade the area to be planted to eliminate drainage problems. Slope the grade away from structure foundations, and fill in any low lying areas that might hold water. Soil should be rotor tilled to a depth of 4-6 inches, this will allow for proper root establishment.
The final soil grade should be approximately 1 inch below any hard surfaces so when the sod is laid it will be even with any existing sidewalks or driveways.
Be sure to moisten the surface of the planting area before laying sod.
Installation of your new sod
For best results, install sod immediately after delivery, and begin watering within 30 minutes of installation. This may require watering as you go vs at the end.
This step is extremely important in the heat of summer.
Begin installing sod along the longest straight line, such as a sidewalk or driveway.
Stagger the joints in each row of sod; this should resemble a brick or shingle like pattern. Butt sod pieces end to end avoiding any gaps.
If needed, sod can be cut with a machete or shovel.
If dealing with a slope, start at the bottom and work your way up to ensure a tight uniform seam.
If dealing with an extremely steep slope, plant sod across the slope from bottom to top.
Water, water and more water!
The first watering of new sod is the most important one and must be through, If temperatures are high (80°-100°) water new sod immediately.
DO NOT ALLOW NEWLY PLANTED SOD TO GO UN-WATERED FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES AFTER INSTALLATION.
The objective for this first watering is to soak the soil under the sod to a depth of 2-3". This is the only time you will apply this much water to your sod during the establishment period.
Day 2 and beyond
Day 2 through 10
During hot weather it will be necessary to water new sod daily. Application of approximately 1/4" to 1/2" of water over one or two daily cycles will keep the new sod moist. During the cooler weather 1/4" to 1/2" should be completed over 2-3 days.
Exercise caution during cooler months in order to prevent applying too much water.
Day 10 and beyond...
From this point forward watering should be deep each time but not as frequent.
Application rates of roughly 1" per week should keep your yard healthy. Conditions such as soil type or steep slopes may require a more detailed watering plan.
Most yards are overwatered which leads to a decline in grass quality.
Slopped areas tend to allow water to run off before it has a chance to soak in. Multiple short duration waters may help reduce the problem.
Water as early in the morning as possible to take advantage of the start of the grass' normal growing cycle. Lower wind speeds and less evaporation due to cooler temperatures are more favorable.
Too much water can be as damaging as too little water.
Extra tips
- Make absolutely certain that water is getting to all areas of your new lawn regardless of the type of irrigation system you have. Corners and edges are easily missed by many sprinklers and are particularly vulnerable to drying out faster. Areas near buildings and driveways will also dry out faster due to reflected heat and may require more water.
- Proper watering may vary by the type of sprinkler system being used. In ground systems are convenient but many times create a "set it and forget it" mentality. Hose end sprinklers require significant time and monitoring to adequately water the lawn. Hand sprinkling will rarely provide enough water uniformly so this is not recommended for large installs. The main point here is to be aware of how much water your lawn is receiving.
- Keep in mind that shorter duration, frequent watering's are good for new sod but not an established lawn. Infrequent and deep watering will help the grass produce a deeper root system to make for a healthier and more durable grass.
- Remember: Weather conditions dictate how much and how often a lawn needs water. No watering guideline is perfect. Use common sense when it comes to the management of your lawn.
- Keep all foot traffic to a minimum for the first month - this includes pets!
- No fertilization for the first 3 weeks. This gives sod the chance to recover from transplant shock and lessen stress. After this you can use a good lawn fertilizer at 1/2 the recommend rate. Make sure to stay away from "Weed and Feed" type fertilizers.
- No weed killers for several months. It is usually best if the grass goes through a season of winter dormancy before pre-emergent are applied.
- You can begin mowing your lawn 7-10 days after installation - as soon as it has taken root. The common myth is that taller the grass the thicker it becomes. However this is a myth and the taller the grass, the thinner it will become. Mowing grass stimulates growth.
- Frequent mowing, every 5-7 days during peak grow season, will encourage horizontal growth and provide for a higher quality lawn.