Sod Installation and Care

Having a healthy, mature field is essential for safety in sports. Purchasing sod for your field allows for an instant turf.

There are several steps to consider when purchasing and installing sod.

Step 1 – Measuring

Using a tape, measure the field area that will receive sod. Make a sketch of the area with the measurements included and take it to your local sod producer. Be sure to check out the sod production fields prior to purchase to guarantee high quality, weed and insect free sod. If your sod producer will not let you visit the fields prior to purchase - find another one!

Step 2 – Ordering and Scheduling

Order the sod from your local sod producer and schedule your sod order to be delivered after all preparatory soil work is completed and you are ready to install. Quick installation on the delivery day is crucial to ensuring a healthy lawn.

Step 3 – Soil Preparation

Get a soil test bag from your local county extension office. With a spade, take soil samples in several areas of the field to a depth of about 4 inches and mix the soil together in a bucket. After mixing, scoop some of the soil into the soil sample bag provided, fill out the associated paperwork and send the sample to the soil testing service address provided. The soil test will help you determine what soil amendments are needed to ensure a healthy, mature field in your area and the time before sod installation is best for making these changes.

Remove all preexisting sod and weeds and apply a non-selective herbicide like roundup in several applications a few weeks before sod installation. Begin soil work to eliminate drainage problems and get the desired crown on the field. Then add any lime, fertilizer, organic amendments as needed based on your soil test results. Till the soil and amendments to a depth of 5 to 7 inches. Rake the soil smooth removing all rocks, large soil clods, and plant roots/sod chunks and then roll the soil surface with light rollers.

Step 4 – Sod Installation

Install your sod immediately when delivered. Most sod for fields is now delivered in large rolls which are mostly put into place with "spider" machines and you will just need a few workers to do touchup work. Begin installing sod along the longest straight line -like the sideline and push edges together tightly without stretching. Be sure to stagger the joints of the sod in a brick-like fashion to avoid continuous seams and use a sharp knife to trim edges. Begin watering sod within 30 minutes of installation because the grass will need water and soil contact to survive. In hot weather, place unused sod in the shade and keep it moist. Roll the sod with light rollers to ensure good sod to soil contact.

Step 5 – Watering

Be sure to water your new sod within 30 minutes of installation. During the first two weeks you should water at least twice a day with about ¼ inch of water and check to make sure that the sod and upper soil profile is remaining moist throughout the day. Be extra cautious during hot, dry and windy weather that can quickly dry out new sod. This will ensure good rooting into the soil. You should then begin a deep and infrequent watering program to promote a deep and healthy root system for your new field.

Maintaining the Field

Until your field has an established root system, avoid heavy use or putting heavy equipment on it. Fertilizer and maintenance requirements can be found from your county extension agent or local sod producer or this website. Remember to water deeply and infrequently, mow often with very sharp mowers, and watch for insect, disease or fertility problems.