Sod Installation | Ellicott, CO | Schubert’s Sod Depot

Installation

TIME TO INSTALL:

Turf can be installed throughout the growing season. Kentucky Bluegrass establishes easily during the Spring & Fall when the weather is cool. During this time, it is easier to keep the soil more evenly moist. As heat and winds increase during the summer months, more care is required. Careful management during this time will produce excellent results.

SOIL PREPARATION:

Top soil should be a minimum of 1″ thick.

-Ideally, topsoil should be 6″ thick; however, if it is not possible, 1″ will work fine. Add organic matter (if needed) such as compost or peat to improve your soil and water holding qualities.

Till and level to a smooth surface.

-Remove any debris that has surfaced during tilling. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.

Re-level the surface.

-Remove any low areas that might hold water in the future.

Apply a starter fertilizer.

-High in phosphorus not to exceed more than 1 lb. per 100 sq. ft.

Soil should be moist.

-Not soggy or muddy before installation.

INSTALLATION OF SOD:

Lay the first row.

-Start with the longest straight line of your yard. Even if a circle starts with a straight line through the center. Make sure edges are tightly tucked next to each other, and there are no air pockets.

(Lay sod horizontally on a hill to prevent water channel washouts typically, lay the sod parallel to the street.)

Stagger the next row.

-Lay the sod in a brick pattern to prevent water channel washouts.

Cut Edges And Sprinkler Heads.

-Use a sod knife or linoleum knife to cut out overlapped edges and around sprinkler heads.

Walk Edges.

-Walk the seams or if you have a roller, roll the new sod to make sure all the edges are in contact with the soil beneath.

WATER!

-soak the new sod until the soil beneath becomes completely saturated but not muddy. Water at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. for 10 – 15 minutes per interval for the first two weeks. After the sod takes root, cut back on watering gradually until a regular watering schedule takes place.

INSTALLATION, WATERING, & MOWING

Sod should be laid within 24 hours of delivery. Usually, sod on the pallet should never be watered. In dry weather you can sprinkle it lightly on the pallet just before installation. Lay the sod with the seams tight together (not overlapping) with no air pockets. Water immediately after laying until the sod and the soil beneath becomes completely saturated. Water several times daily for the first 14 days, keeping the ground moist. We recommend daytime watering only for the first two weeks. 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. works very well. If hot, dry winds happen during the day, you might need to increase watering times by adding one additional watering time in the evening when the wind slows. On cool, cloudy, and rainy days water times or amounts might need to be reduced. Once the sod has attached to the soil below (12 to 21 days), gradually reduce the frequency and amount of water to a regular watering schedule. Water 3-4 times a week, depending on the weather. This, in turn, will help the roots to grow deep, making your sod more drought resistant. It will also help reduce the chance of disease. Water your grass at least twice a month to prevent winter kill in the winter months. Start mowing your grass approximately 7-10 days after installation, at the height of 2″. Watering immediately after mowing helps seal the leaves, reducing stress on your lawn and leaving a very healthy result.

DO’S & DON’TS

Old lawn areas should be treated with proper chemicals to control any previous problems from grubs, insect, or fungus before laying new sod. We recommend spraying your grass at least once or twice a year with a suitable fungicide to control diseases. Overfertilization (including organic) is detrimental to the root system and will void all warranties. Do not plant sod in areas with large trees, such as elms, as their root system often will adhere to the sod and kill it. In areas such as this, let us give you special recommendations.

***************************************GUARANTEE***************************************

We guarantee our sod to take root to your soil if the above-stated conditions are followed. Once your sod roots to your soil, our guarantee expires. *Our guarantee is limited to the replacement of sod at the Depot. (Customer must pick up sod or pay for delivery). *All sod purchased after October 15th (end of the growing season) through March 15th carries NO WARRANTY of any kind. There is NO guarantee on the sod without an in-ground sprinkler system… Your sod could die if not watered properly.