TURF INSTALLATION

Once the turf arrives immediately start the installation process. If you have to wait to install, place the turf in a shaded area where it will stay cool. DO NOT tightly cover the turf rolls with plastic or a tarp and DO NOT heavily water the turf rolls on the pallet.
Sod survival is greatly improved when installed on cool soil, moisten or mist “hot” soil.
Mark any irrigation heads, boxes or other underground items so you don’t sod over them.
When installing the sod, can lay a strip of sod around the entire perimeter of the area , similar to outlining, fill in the area with strips of sod starting either from the center out to the perimeter edge or go alongside the perimeter outline strip. Can also start along a straight line ie; a driveway, sidewalk or patio and continue along that straight line laying the rolls side-by-side and end-to-end. Eliminate as much walking or kneeling on the turf as you can.
Keep the strips straight and not let them get wavy. Want to “stagger the joints” (similar as if you were laying brick or tile in a “brickwork fashion”). All edges, ends and sides of sod strips should touch. Do not leave a gap or space between the strips and do not overlap the edges, ends and sides. To minimize compaction of the soil use a wheelbarrow to transport the sod rolls or use plywood boards to make a path to the area you are sodding. Be sure and rake out any indentions in the soil caused by these actions before you lay the sod on top of the soil.
Cut or trim the sod with a tool that has a straight edge blade ie; a machete, shovel, hoe or a box cutter knife . Want to cut on the dirt side, with a good eye and measurements.
Pieces left over from any cutting or trimming can be used for patching in areas make sure the pieces get enough water as they can dry out quickly.
When installing sod on a sloped area run the strips across the slope instead of up and down the slope. Pin or stake the sod strips on slopes to prevent them from sliding down the slope or rolling up especially if a heavy rain were to come through. Can use a metal “U” shaped pin (staple) or narrow wooden stakes 6” long.
Can roll the sod with a metal drum roller that you fill with water (one-third full) to insure contact with the bottom of the sod pad and the soil it is against and eliminate any air pockets.
Water the turf thoroughly after installation and try not to walk on the wet turf as you can damage it by leaving deep footprints and shift the strips out of place.
Avoid heavy use of your new sod lawn for at least two weeks.