Prepare the planting site by sprinkling the area with a lawn starter fertilizer at the rate suggested on the label. Rake it into the top inch of soil and then water until the top inch of soil is moist. This should be done the day before the sod is installed.
You will need a sharp knife to cut the pieces of sod so they fit around landscape features, steps and corners. You will also need a lawn roller to roll the sod after installation. This ensures good contact between the sod and the soil.
Lay the pieces of sod as close together as possible. Fill any gaps between pieces with sand. After installation water until the top 3 inches of soil beneath the sod are wet.