Start by making sure the ground has been prepared well including rototilling the soil, raking the area smooth and then compacting the soil with a half filled water filled roller. Water the soil to help settle it and then repeat the smoothing and rolling. Your grade should be ¾” below any adjacent concrete.

Have your sod delivered in the morning of installation day from your local sod farm.

1. Water the area to be sodded the day before so that it is moist to a depth of about 6 inches.
2. Apply 16-16-16 fertilizer (1 pound per 100 sf) on top of your rolled finished grade.
3. Apply lime at 5-8 pounds per 100 sf.
4. Install your sod beginning against the longest straight edge and work toward any irregular boundary.
5. Try not to use small pieces of sod, they won’t take root as well as larger ones.
6. Fit the pieces together snugly. Stagger pieces so the sod seams don’t line up.
7. When working around trees or garden areas, use a very sharp knife to cut the sod into shape.
8. As you install the sod, keep the ground and sod moist with light periodic watering.
9. Roll the sod with a half full water filled roller to flatten all seams and better help the sod to take root.
10. Water your new lawn regularly to keep from drying out.
11. It should be ready for its first mowing in 7-10 days.

Homeowners looking to install their own lawn should look to their local sod farm. This will give the lowest price and the freshest sod. For those looking for Vancouver, WA sod or Portland, Oregon sod should look to Far West Turf Farm. They offer both U-Haul and delivered sod that is cut fresh and pelleted that morning.

How to measure

Measure your future lawn area in length x width in feet. Multiply the two numbers to get square feet. If you have an irregular shaped lawn, break it down into manageable squares and measure each separately. Add up your lawn areas and add 10-15% to make sure you have enough and to allow for trimming as you install.

Why use sod?

Sod is only slightly more expensive than seed and it gives an instant lawn the very day you lay it down. More on sod installation.

Julia Houriet writes an interesting article on how to prepare for your new sod lawn. Achieve your instant lawn with sod as opposed to seed.

Preparation of the soil is your first step. You want a thriving environment of microorganisms if you want a healthy organic sod lawn. Mix compost in as a 50-50 mix into the soil to create this healthy environment.

Compact the soil prior to laying the sod. Use a sod roller which is a drum roller with a handle that you can add water to for added weight. Use the roller to prepare for the sod and after you lay the sod for a firm connection of sod to ground to encourage growth.

Watering the new sod is very important to encourage growth. Water to keep moist especially for the first 2-3 weeks until the sod can take root. Remember to purchase high quality sod from a local sod farm to ensure you get the premium looking lawn you want.