Sod Rules

Fertilizing

• Sod needs lots of nutrients to establish. Gardeners should apply a starter fertilizer to their lawns to provide enough nutrients for healthy grass growth. Starter fertilizers generally have higher percentages of phosphorous for root establishment. Work 20 lbs. of starter fertilizer that has an NPK amount of 5-10-5 per 1,000 square feet into the first 2 to 4 inches of topsoil, as recommended by the University of California. Avoid using more than 1 lb. of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet or your could burn up grass seed.

Moisture

• Sod can easily dry out. Plan on installing sod as soon as it is delivered. If you need to wait to install the sod, lay out the pieces under shade. Refrain from piling the sod pieces because it generates heat and dries out the sod. Moisten the soil before laying down the sod. Water each piece of sod as your lay it down over the soil. Water the entire area after laying down the sod.

Laying Sod

• Lay down sod from the outside of the lawn and work your way in. Butt the sod edges together so there is no room between the pieces. If there is any room between pieces of sod, apply a little dirt in the cracks, as suggested by the University of Rhode Island. Rows should be staggered as if you were laying down bricks. Push a lawn roller over the sod pieces to achieve good sod-to-soil contact.

Cutting

• Often there are areas that are too small for a piece of sod. Overlap a piece of sod over another laid piece. Cut through both pieces of sod with a masonry trowel or sharp knife. The result is a seam of sod that fits the small area and tightly butts next to the adjoining piece of sod. For irregularly shaped areas, measure the space and cut the piece of sod to match.