Installation Guide

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, contact us at Waltz Turf Farm, Inc. to be assured that you are getting the finest quality turf available.

The following are basic steps to a beautiful lawn.

STEP ONE – MEASURING AND ORDERING

With the 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 noted. We will then be happy to assist you in determining the amount of turfgrass sod you will need from your sketch.

Schedule your delivery of turf after the required 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 TWO – SOIL PREPARATION

For best results, rototill or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from the foundations.

Soil test your lawn area with the assistance of a qualified service in your area. Then, rake in any required fertilizer, lime, peat, compost, etc., as needed, to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. 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 about 1 inch below sidewalks or driveways.

Water the prepared area to settle soil and provide a moist base for turf. Moistening to a depth of 6 inches is recommended for most soils.

STEP THREE – 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 lightly, 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 FOUR – WATERING

Give your new lawn at least 1 inch of water within 1/2 hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about two 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 buildings more often were 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 ensures 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.

Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weeds and disease conditions.