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Frequently Asked Questions
When can sod be installed?Sod can be installed year around; however, if you are going to sod during the heat of the summer more watering will be required than during the cooler months when you benefit a bit more from mother nature. Back to Top
How often should I water my lawn?During prime growing months (April-September), sod will require approximately 1 inch of water per week. During the winter months, this amount should be adequate for approximately a 2-3 week period. Don't forget to make sure your sod is moist before a freeze during winter months to help protect the root system. Back to Top
How often should I mow my lawn?Generally sod should be mowed every 7-10 days depending on sod type and time of season. Best results are noticed if you mow a little shorter in the spring (1 1/2 "), then a little taller in the summer (2"). This will help insulate the sod during the summer and fall also promoting new growth in the spring and early summer Back to Top
How often should I fertilize?A balanced fertilizer with a slow release form of nitrogen such as 13-13-13 stems better overall results at establishment, and then use a 3-1-2 (i.e. 21-7-14) @ 5 lbs per 1000 sq/ft. As a general rule, fertilizer takes place two times a year (spring and early fall) on St. Augustine and Zoysia. On Bermuda, use 3-1-2 @ 5 lbs per 1000 sq/ft in the spring and fall with an additional Nitrogen application of 21-0-0 @ 2 lbs per 1000sq/ft in early June. These are general recommendations for the DFW Metroplex and can change due to weather conditions, quality desired and landscape use. In using any products read and follow all label directions. Back to Top
What do I need to do to prepare my property for sod?Sketch a diagram of the area to be covered with sod. Measure the length and width of the area to be covered, and input hose figures into your diagram. Take the diagram with you when ordering sod to help ensure the proper amount is ordered Rough grade the area to be planted to eliminate drainage problems. Slope the grade away from structure foundations, and fill 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. If soil needs to be added to existing area, rotor-till area 2 inches deep and add 4 inches of new top soil/sandy loam followed by rotor-tilling all soil together. Clear the area to be planted with sod of all foreign debris (wood, rocks, bricks, etc.) in general anything bigger than 2-3 inches in diameter. Finish grade the entire area with a hand rake, and then saturate soil to allow for settling. You may roll soil with a grass roller to firm the area to be help ensure all low areas are detected. 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. Back to Top
How do I plant my sod?Now that the soil is preparation is complete, it's time to plant your new sod. For best results, install sod immediately after delivery and begin watering with 30 minutes of installation. This step is extremely important in the heat of the summer. Begin installing sod along the longest straight line, such as a sidewalk or driveway. Stagger the joints in each row of the 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 an extremely steep slope, plant sod across the slope from bottom to top. Once installation is complete, make sure the new sod is thoroughly saturated and this should be done only once. After the initial soaking, use a grass roller to help remove air pockets allowing for a smooth uniform contact with the soil underneath. Back to TopHow often do I water my new sod?The first two weeks after installation is extremely important for proper establishment of sod. Sod should be watered daily, or often enough to keep the sod moist for approximately two weeks. Foot traffic should be kept to a minimum for the first two weeks, and once the roots have taken hold watering be cut back to help establish a deeper root system. A general rule for watering after initial rooting stage is about 1 inch per week, but this may vary with climate conditions. When can I mow and fertilize my new sod ?Once sod has taken root (about 2-3 weeks), you may mow and fertilize your new sod. For best results use a balanced fertilizer with a slow nitrogen release.
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