Grading
Rototill or spade soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Remove sticks, stones and other debris. Add any soil amendments as specified such as sawdust, gypsum, compost or polymers. Now is the time to install irrigation and bender boards. Set grade 1 inch below the walkways. Fill in any low spots, smooth the soil by raking, and firm the soil by lightly rolling.

Pre-Plant Fertilizer
A high phosphate and potassium fertilizer (4-10-10 or a 6-20-20) applied at 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn area will enhance root establishment. The fertilizer should be lightly raked into the surface of the soil area.

Sod Installiation
Start by laying sod in a straight line such as along a driveway or walkway. Lay out sod as you would rug or tiles. Make sure all joints are butted tightly together without overlapping or spaces between the strips of sod. Stagger the joints in each new row like rows of bricks. Use a large, sharp knife for shaping around trees, flowerbeds or borders.

Establishment Watering
Start watering immediately after the first strips of sod are laid. Throughly soak sod, then ROLL the sod to smooth out bumps and air pockets. This will assure good contact with the soil. Water frequently for the first 10-14 days, enough water to wet soil to a depth of 4 inches. DO NOT LET SOD DRY OUT.

Mowing
Sod generally requires mowing 7-10 days after installation. The basic rule is never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade. Set mower height to cut at 11/2 to 21/2 inches. Mow when grass reaches 2-3 inches respectively.

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