Installing sod is the fastest way to achieve a lush, green lawn, transforming your outdoor space instantly. With proper preparation and care, you can ensure your sod takes root and thrives. This guide will walk you through the steps to install sod like a pro.
Table of Contents
Planning & Design
- When laying sod, consider the size of the area.
- Measure the space and calculate the square footage of the area by multiplying your lawn width by the lawn length.
- Do an estimate of how much sod is required based on the length and width of the sod rolls and add an extra 5-10% for waste due to cutting.
- Our knowledgeable staff at Rockland can help you determine how much sod you need to buy.
- When choosing your sod, look for colour, texture and heartiness.
- Keep in mind that once sod is delivered, it should be installed within 1-2 days to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Rockland Landscaping Supplies has a Materials Volume Calculator and knowledgeable staff to help you determine the required amount of landscaping supplies.
Base Preparation to install sod
- Remove old grass by using a tiller or sod cutter and square head spade.
- Roll up the old grass and use a wheelbarrow to haul away debris.
- Use a rake or the tiller to loosen the ground and remove the top layer of old soil.
- Dig approximately 1-2 inches deeper around cement curbs or the edges of your driveway or walkway to ensure sod will be flush to the surface. (Sod that is raised may curl up, get damaged or dry out.)
- Mix in compost with topsoil or add fertilizer to the ground as sod needs to nutrients to grow.
- Ensure the base is level using topsoil where needed to fill any low spots, holes or gaps.
- Water soil 1 -2 days before sod arrives and allow time for proper drainage.
Sod Installation
- Take care not to walk on the levelled surface and consider using a piece of plywood to kneel on when laying sod.
- Begin laying your sod next to the straightest cement edge of your yard which is usually the sidewalk or driveway. Fit sod as tight to the edge as possible.
- If your yard has an irregular shape, use a measuring tape and stakes to run a string down the centre line of your yard. Lay your first row in the middle ensuring that it’s straight.
- Lay the rest of the sod one roll at a time staggering the seams in a brick-like pattern.
- Take care that the sod is smooth and flat with no gaps.
- Fit the sod as close together as possible and don’t overlap the edges.
- Trim sod to fit the area using sod cutters were needed.
- If you are installing your new lawn on a slope, use stakes to hold the sod in place.
- To install sod around a gradual curve, lay the sod tight to the edge allowing it to overlap. Cut out the overlapping portion in a pie shape to fit the edges closely together.
- Use topsoil to fill small gaps where needed.
Installation Completion
- Once the sod has been installed, use a sod roller to flatten the lawn, remove air pockets and help the sod come into better contact with the soil. Using a sod roller helps your new lawn to take root.
- Roll perpendicular to the length of the sod.
- Water sod with a sprinkler every day until the sod is properly soaked for proper rooting.
- During hot Summer weather, water frequently throughout the day for the first 3 weeks.
- Avoid walking on grass and mowing for as long as possible.
- Sod installation is complete. A new, plush lawn awaits!
Where in Edmonton & St. Albert Can I Find The Best Landscaping Supply Company?
Rockland has sod from Sturgeon Valley Sod and a large selection of Edmonton landscaping supplies and equipment rentals for your garden projects.
In Edmonton and St. Albert, Rockland is the most favoured supplier of landscaping products. For your landscaping projects, we specialize in offering the finest landscape supplies. We have gone a long way to comprehend your demands as a 20-year-old, award-winning landscape supplier. Call Rockland immediately at 780-239-7625 or send us a message at sales@rocklandsupplies.com to learn more!
