Sod FAQs
Sod Installation Tips & more.

To assure availability, sod should be ordered 3-4 days prior to delivery and 1 day prior to pickup.

One pallet of sod (700 sq. ft.).

Adding at least 2″ of topsoil is highly recommended, especially if you have an extreme soil type (clay or sand). A heavy clay soil may compact and not allow turf roots to penetrate, may hold water on the surface, and may not allow air into the soil. A sandy and/or rocky soil may dry out easily, may not provide nutrients to turf, and may promote high pH conditions. Topsoil makes nutrients available to turf, will hold usable water, and gives a softer lawn.

Applying a starter fertilizer prior to laying sod will promote faster root growth. The fertilizer should be lightly raked in after spreading. Be sure to follow directions as too much fertilizer will burn the roots. The fertilizer can be purchased in advance or delivered with the sod.

For best results, weeds should be removed, either chemically or mechanically. Herbicides which kill all plant material and have no residual effect on the turf are best. Be sure to follow directions regarding application and timeliness of use.

Sod may be effectively transplanted in most conditions. Spring and Fall are considered to be the best times because of cooler temperatures and more available moisture. In Michigan sod is available starting in the early Spring (average Mid-April) until the ground freezes (early December).

A fairly conservative formula is three people can install two pallets (1,400 ft.) of sod in one hour. The best method is for two people to carry the sod to the area being sodded while one person pieces the sod together.

Sod can be cut with anything sharp, such as an old knife, pocket knife, or even a shovel. Sod cuts easily and can be contorted to fit any area.

Sod is a very perishable product and should be installed the same day it is purchased, and immediately in extremely hot weather, for best results. When left rolled together tightly on a pallet, the organic matter and fertilizer break down inside the roll generating heat and depleting oxygen. If left too long rolled up, the extreme heat and lack of oxygen kills the plant.

One installed, apply at least 1″ of water. During the rooting process (10-14 days), water lightly twice daily. Water should not puddle, but the roots need to stay moist. As the roots deepen, gradually lesson your watering schedule.

Michigan State University reports there is no difference in rooting capabilities between mineral (topsoil) and muck (peat) sod initially or throughout time. Peat soil is much lighter than topsoil, which will make installation easier. Peat soil tends to promote more surface root growth which helps in the survival rate. Peat also tends to hold more moisture and nutrients which helps in sod transplanting survival.

Sod is proven to be much better at retaining water, preventing soil erosion, and providing instant cover and protection to sloped areas. Stakes may be needed to hold the sod in place during the rooting process. Two stakes per roll is usually sufficient and are available at our office.

Sod requires three things to survive – water, fertilizer, and sun. If one of those three is missing, sod may not survive. There is no grass which will grow in complete shade. In partially shaded areas, fescue sod will have a better survival rate than bluegrass.