Measure the area to be sodded using a suitable formula to compute the area. Sod is sold by the square foot. Generally, add 5 - 10% to account for trimming and other waste to complete the job. For larger landscape jobs, it may be best to measure sections independently and add them together to determine the total amount of sod required.
Our standard rolls are 2 ft. wide by 5 ft. long (10 sq. ft. ea). Big rolls are available for areas that are 10,000 sq. ft. or more. The dimensions on our big rolls are 4 ft. wide by 100 ft. long (400 sq. ft. ea) and require a specialized machine for installation.
A pallet of sod weighs approximately 2500 lbs (54 rolls, 540 sq. ft.). Pallets are 4 feet x 4 feet.
Our delivery staff can place pallets of sod in locations to minimize additional transport. Large trailers and trucks are required to handle more than one pallet of sod.
Install the sod as soon as possible - it is an alive and perishable product. Depending on temperature and humidity, the sod will remain viable for 2 - 3 days.
Water new sod 1 - 3 times per day until established; mid-morning, afternoon, and evening. Keep the soil and sod moist during establishment since the grass needs to establish a new root system.
Starter fertilizer formulations (example: 16-16-16) should be applied at or shortly after installing sod. A rate of 6 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. is recommended. This can be computed by dividing 100 by the first number in the fertilizer formulation, which is the percent nitrogen. Example: 16-16-16 is 16% nitrogen, thus 100/16 = 6.25 lbs. of product per 1,000 sq. ft. Check the product label for additional instructions.
Mowing will normally be required within the first 7 - 14 days. The general rule of thumb is to not remove more than 40% of the leaf tissue when mowing. Be sure the soil is not too wet to prevent deep footprints or rutting. Conduct initial mowings during a cooler part of the day.
Wait until 2 - 3 inches of root growth has developed into the soil profile before walking on the new sod regularly. This can be checked with a soil probe, knife, or shovel. Root development is necessary for the turf plants to take up water and nutrients from the soil and recover from wear. Generally, this is 3 - 6 weeks after sod installation, at which time watering can be reduced to once or twice daily.
At least 9 feet is preferred for forklift access.
Sod is heavy, and installation requires a fair amount of labor. Landscape contractors are experienced in handling large jobs, properly prepare the soil and finish grade, trim the sod to fit in irregular spaces and/ or install big rolls (100 sq.ft.) for large areas. Installing sod in a timely fashion upon delivery will produce the best results.
Fine fescue and tall fescue are the best performing cool-season turfgrasses in the shade, although at least a few hours of direct sun or several hours of filtered sunlight is required for reasonable turfgrass performance and vigor.
No, it is a perishable product. Any problems or concerns should be reported within 24 hours of delivery or pick up.