Instant turf, commonly known as sod, is a layer of pre-grown grass held together by a root system and a thin layer of soil. This option is popular because it provides an immediate, mature lawn, transforming a bare patch into a lush, green carpet in hours, unlike the weeks or months required for seeding. Instant turf also offers practical benefits, such as controlling soil erosion on sloped areas and establishing a uniform surface with minimal weed competition. Successfully installing this living product relies entirely on meticulous preparation and specific aftercare.
Preparing the Ground for Installation
Preparation starts with the complete removal of any existing vegetation, which can be accomplished either physically using a sod cutter or chemically with a glyphosate-based product applied several days prior. Clear the area of all debris, including large rocks, roots, and construction materials, as these prevent proper root contact and create air pockets.
Once the site is clear, a soil test should be performed to determine the pH and nutrient levels. Turfgrass generally prefers a slightly acidic to neutral range (6.0 to 7.0); if testing reveals the soil is too acidic, lime can be incorporated, or if too alkaline, sulfur or gypsum may be added to adjust the pH. Following any necessary chemical amendments, the entire area should be tilled to a depth of four to six inches to alleviate compaction and improve aeration.
Tilling creates a loosened base, allowing new roots to penetrate easily and helping the soil retain moisture. High-quality topsoil or a nutrient-rich compost should be spread across the tilled area, aiming for a total soil depth of at least four inches after it is firmed. This underlay should then be “rough graded,” sloping the surface away from foundations and structures at a rate of roughly one to two percent to ensure proper water runoff and drainage.
The final step is the “finish grade,” where the surface is smoothed with a rake to remove lumps or low spots, ensuring the grade sits approximately one inch below adjacent patios or walkways. Before laying the turf, a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus should be applied to the newly prepared soil and lightly watered in, promoting vigorous root development. Finally, the prepared ground should be lightly dampened just before installation to prevent the dry soil from drawing moisture out of the new sod pieces immediately upon contact.
Laying the Instant Turf Correctly
Installation must begin immediately upon delivery, as sod is a living product that can quickly dry out, resulting in shrinkage and damage, especially in warmer weather. If the sod cannot be laid all at once, the rolls should be kept in a cool, shaded area and lightly misted with water to maintain their health. The first row should be laid along the longest straight boundary, such as a driveway or a fence line, working outward from that point.
Each subsequent roll must be installed in a “brickwork” pattern, staggering the seams to prevent long, continuous lines prone to drying out. It is crucial to butt the edges and ends of the turf pieces tightly against one another, avoiding both gaps that expose the soil and overlaps that prevent root establishment. Stretching the turf rolls while laying them should be avoided, as this can weaken the structure of the sod and cause it to shrink back, creating unwanted gaps as it dries.
The process requires careful movement, and installers should work from planks placed over the newly laid turf or remain on the prepared soil to avoid compressing the sod or creating foot indentations. For fitting pieces around curves, garden beds, or sprinklers, a sharp knife, utility blade, or spade should be used to make clean, precise cuts. Small, irregularly shaped pieces should be avoided, particularly along outer edges, as these dry out much faster than larger, better-anchored sections.
After all the pieces are placed, the entire area must be rolled with a lightweight lawn roller, typically weighing about 45 kilograms. This action presses the new turf firmly onto the prepared soil, eliminating air pockets and ensuring maximum contact between the sod’s root base and the soil below. The final step of the installation day is a thorough, deep watering, soaking the new lawn to penetrate the sod and the underlying soil to a depth of at least three to four inches.
Essential Post-Installation Care
The first two weeks following installation are the most significant period for successful establishment, requiring a specific watering regimen to encourage root growth. For the first 7 to 14 days, the lawn should be kept consistently moist by watering multiple times per day, often two to three light applications, ensuring the top layer of the sod never dries out. The goal during this period is to ensure the moisture reaches the root zone of the sod without causing runoff, which is accomplished with shorter, more frequent watering cycles.
Once roots begin to anchor into the underlying soil (checked by gently attempting to lift a corner of the sod), the watering schedule must be tapered. After the initial two weeks, the watering should transition from frequent, light applications to deeper, less frequent soakings, such as once every other day, to encourage the roots to grow downward in search of moisture. Deep watering promotes a stronger, more drought-tolerant root system, rather than shallow roots that rely on surface moisture.
Foot traffic on the new lawn should be strictly avoided for the first week to ten days to prevent compression of the soil and root damage. The first mowing should only occur once the sod has firmly rooted and cannot be easily lifted, which is usually around 7 to 14 days after installation. The mower blades must be sharp to avoid tearing the new grass, and the deck should be set to its highest setting, never removing more than one-third of the grass blade height at one time.
If a starter fertilizer was not applied during preparation, the first application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer should be delayed until the roots are clearly established, typically two to three weeks after laying. High-nitrogen or “weed and feed” products should be avoided during this early establishment phase as they can burn the delicate new roots or cause uneven growth. The fertilizer application must be followed by a thorough watering to move the nutrients into the soil and off the grass blades.