Follow These Suggestions For A Successful Sodding Operation

Sodding allows you to enjoy an instant lawn, protecting your lot against erosion and your floors, carpet and paved surfaces from soil.

Sodding is a substantial investment and it is important that you select the grass variety that is best suited for you, your lot and your climate.  Super-Sod grows all the hot and cool climate turfgrasses adapted to the climate of the southeast and will be pleased to assist you in making the best selection.  Visit our 'Turfgrass Selector' at www.supersod.com.

Following are basic steps to a beautiful sodded lawn.  If you have questions, ask us.  Avoid future grief by proper planning and preparation before your sod is delivered.

STEP 1 - Measure Area

Make a sketch (plat) of your lot and then measure with a tape the area you wish to sod.  Calculate the square feet of sod needed by multiplying length times the width of the area measured.  For assistance with odd lawn shapes - go to www.supersod.com and check out our 'Lawn Area Calculator'.

STEP 2 - Prepare Soil

Prepare the lot by grading so that the soil slopes away from foundations and buildings so as to eliminate drainage problems.  If renovating an existing lawn, destroy vegetation.

Till to a depth of four to six inches, smooth the soil remove rocks, roots, clods and vegetation.  Water heavily to see if water puddles in any low spots.  If so, add soil or regrade to eliminate low spots.  Grade less than one-half inch below walks and drives.

Tilled soil will settle some - concrete or asphalt should not.  For all grasses except Centipede, apply and rake in 50 pounds of dolomitic lime and 15 pounds of 5-10-15 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet.  For Centipede, omit the lime and use only 10 lbs. 5-10-15 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet.

STEP 3 - Schedule Delivery

Schedule your order for sod to be delivered after preparatory work is completed and you are ready to install.  Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.  Always order slightly more sod than your measurements call for to avoid running short.

STEP 4 - Install Sod

Water to dampen the bare soil and start laying the sod immediately after delivery.  Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation.  Sod is a living plant that requires contact and moisture to survive.

In hot weather, protect unlaid sod by placing pallets in shade or unrolling and keeping sod in the shade.

Begin installing sod along the longest straight line - such as a driveway or sidewalk.  Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, and stretch lightly.  Avoid gaps or overlaps.  Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc.

Avoid leaving small strips at outer edge as they will not retain moisture.  On slopes, place sod across the slope.  After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve sod/soil contact and remove air pockets.

STEP 5 - Water

Give your new lawn a good soaking of water within 1/2 hour of installation.  Water daily, or more often, keeping sod moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks).   Then less frequently and deeper watering should begin.

Lift a piece of sod here and there to ascertain that you are watering enough to wet the original soil below the sod.

Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering.  Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry or windy periods.

Water areas near buildings more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

STEP 6 - Mow

Begin mowing as soon as your sod has rooted to the extent that mowing does not displace it.  It is important that mowing not be delayed too long.  Cut high the first time, but gradually and deliberately lower the cut-height.

CAUTION

Insects love and seek out lush, tender grass and can quickly multiply or migrate into a new lawn with devastating consequences.  Regulations do not permit sod growers to use long-lasting insecticides and we do not attempt to eradicate all insects simply to control the population.  All sod is probably shipped with some insects and their larvae or eggs.  It is therefore imperative that you watch closely for insect damage and immediately apply an insecticide if needed.  Sevin is among the safer insecticides and usually controls the most rapid population builders such as army worms and sod webworms.  We cannot be responsible for insect damage to your new lawn.

Maintenance

Your new sod lawn increases your property value significantly.  With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.

Mow often, generally removing no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a mowing.  Keep your mower blade sharp.  Follow our mowing recommendations for your type of lawn.

Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weed and disease conditions.  We will be pleased to advise you and we can provide a 'Turfgrass Maintenance Guide' for each of the grasses we well - or you may consult your County Extension Agent.

For more than 50 years Patten Seed Company has been a leader in grass seed, sprig and sod production, and is the largest sod producer in Georgia and the Carolinas.