Lawn Care for the Southwest

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How to prepare sod and install it

SOD and LAWN installation tips are generally for the Southwestern U.S.

Step one - preparing your soil

Grade your lot or ground with a proper slope so rainfail and run-off will drain away from any building.
Remove rocks, sticks, concrete, lumber or any vegetative matter and other debris.
Work the soil 4" to 6" with a rototiller or spade. If the surface is hard or compacted. Kill all weeds and grasses. Do NOT apply any herbicide to newly planted sod wait at least 2 weeks.
Level and smooth the soil with a rake. Work out any humps, bumps or low spots.
You can add 3-5 yards of compost or top soil per 1,000 sq. ft. and any balanced fertilizer, (make sure it's for lawns) work into ground lightly.
If soil surface is too loose, rolling may be done to firm the soil before installing sod. Your can water the surface before applying new sod. Do NOT leave soil muddy!

Step two - Installation
Lay Turf immediately upon delivery!
Begin laying your turf along a staight edge, such as a walk or driveway. Butt joints together tightly.
Use a sharp knife to cut turf so it can be shaped to fit around curves, trees, borders, or flower beds.
Start watering within 30 minutes after turf is laid, even if all the turf isn't down yet.
After job is completed, water again - Thoroughly.

Step three - Lawn care management
Water new turf/sod daily 4-5 times a day at 15 minutes per times. Do this the first 10 days. Avoid watering after 7:00 p.m.
Do not overwater. It is possible to overwater, too much water can cause problems such as fungus and other lawn diseases.
After the first 10 days gradually cut back watering to 3 or 4 times per week, depending on the weather.
A blue gray haze may indicate a lack of sufficient water. Increase watering time.
Keep pet and foot traffic to a minimum for the first two weeks.
Wait to mow for at least one week depending on growth. A rule of thumb is to mow often enough so your not cutting off more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at a time.
Be sure to keep mower blades sharp.
Maintain an adequate fertilizer program. Most lawn types will need three of more applications per year. Fertilize when lawn starts to look yellowish. Follow the instructions on the bag.

What is the difference between Bermuda grass and Fescue?
Bermuda sod/lawn will go dormant in the winter. It is drought tolerant, requires less watering and tolerates traffic. It is considered a weed in other parts of the U.S.
Fescue lawn will stay green year round. Likes shade or full sun, requires more watering and does not like heavy traffic. Lawn Fertilizers
What do those fertilizing numbers mean? Click here and find out

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