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Cultivated
turf allows
you to enjoy
a lawn of
instant
beauty and
maturity
without the
usual
time-consuming
hassles of
seeding.
When
purchasing
turfgrass
sod, consult
a member of
the
Turfgrass
Producers
International
(TPI) in
your area,
to be
assured that
you are
getting the
finest
quality turf
available.
The
following
are the
basic steps
to a
beautiful
lawn. Check
with your
local TPI
member for
any further
recommendations
for your
specific
area.
STEP 1
- Measuring
and Ordering
 With a
tape,
measure the
area of your
planned
lawn.
Include
these
measurements
on a sketch
of the lawn
area, with
the length,
width, and
any unusual
features.
Your local
TPI member
will be
happy to
assist you
in
determining
the amount
of turfgrass
sod you will
need from
your sketch.
Schedule
your order
for delivery
of turf
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.
 STEP 2
- Soil
Preparation
For best
result,
rototill or
spade the
area to a
depth of 10
to 15 cm. (4
to 6 in.).
Eliminate
drainage
problems by
having soil
slope away
from
foundations,
etc.
Soil test
your lawn
area with
the
assistance
of qualified
service in
your area.
Then rake in
fertilizer,
lime, peat,
compost,
etc. as need
to a depth
of 7 to 10
cm. (3 to 4
in.). Rake
and smooth
the soil
removing
rocks,
roots, and
large clods.
Roll the
area lightly
with a lawn
roller 1/3
full of
water. This
will firm
the soil
surface and
reveal low
areas that
need more
soil. Keep
the grade 2
to 3 cm. (1
in.) below
sidewalks or
driveway.
Water the
prepared
area to
settle soil
and provide
a moist base
for turf.
Moistening
to a depth
of 15 cm. (6
in.) is
recommended
for most
soils.
However,
consult with
your local
TPI member
regarding
your
specific
soil needs.
STEP 3
- Turf
Installation
 Install
your lawn
immediately
upon
delivery.
Begin
watering
lawn within
30 minutes
of
installation.
Turf is a
living plant
that
requires
ground
contact and
moisture to
survive!
In hot
weather,
protect
unlaid turf
by placing
stacks in
shade,
covering
with moist
burlap
sacking,
and/or
sprinkling.
Begin
installing
turf along
the longest
straight
line, such
as a
driveway or
sidewalk.
Butt and
push edges
and ends
against each
other
tightly,
without
stretching.
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
edges as
they will
not retain
moisture. On
slopes,
place the
turf pieces
across the
slope.
 To avoid
causing
indentations
or air
pockets
avoid
repeated
walking or
kneeling on
the turf
while it is
being
installed or
just after
watering.
After
installing
the turf,
roll the
entire area
to improve
turf/soil
contact
and remove
air pockets.
 STEP 4
- Watering
Give your
new lawn at
least 2 to 3
cm. (1 in.)
of water
within 1/2
hour of
installation.
Water daily,
or more
often,
keeping turf
moist until
it is firmly
rooted
(about 2
weeks). Then
less
frequent and
deeper
watering
should
begin.
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
building
more often
where
reflected
heat dries
the turf.
Caution:
During
the first
three weeks,
avoid heavy
or
concentrated
use of your
new lawn.
This gives
the roots an
opportunity
to firmly
knit with
the soil,
and insures
that the
turf will
remain
smooth.
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 local
TPI mowing
recommendations
for your
type of
lawn.
Fertilizer
and chemical
applications
will depend
on climate,
sod type,
soil,
insects,
weed and
disease
conditions.
For
fertilizer
and
maintenance
requirements,
consult your
local TPI
member or an
extension
agent. |
