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TURF INSTALLATION
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- 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.
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Somerset Seed and Sod, Inc.
P.O. Box 7, Somerset, Va. 22972
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