1. Remove existing lawn: (Skip to Step 2 if you don't have an existing lawn) Prior to the installation of sod, any existing lawn should be chemically killed and removed. Make sure that the existing lawn is well watered and growing vigorously. Apply an herbicide such as Roundup^TM, or a similar product, to the entire lawn. Read and follow all label instructions. A second application about two weeks after the first will catch those areas missed and generally insure a complete kill of turf and weeds. Should the existing lawn contain bermuda grass, kikuyu grass, or other warm season grasses, chemical control will only be attained from April through mid-October. (Be aware that Roundup^TM does not control the seed of common bermuda grass, kikuyu grass, or any other weed seed.) Check with a local nursery for a recommended pre-emergent to control invasive weeds and seeds. When the turf is completely brown and dead, the old lawn can be easily removed with a sod cutter. Be sure to cut thin! All you wish to remove is dead vegetation, not a thick layer of soil. After removal of the dead turf, clear the ground of all remaining debris.



2. Prepare the soil: For areas where the removal of an old lawn is not a consideration, be sure to clear the ground of rocks, weeds and other debris. Should there be too many weeds to clear by hand, an herbicide such as Roundup will lessen the work load. If bermuda grass, kikuyu grass or nut grass are present, chemical seed control is a must. Check with a local nursery for a recommended pre-emergent to control invasive weeds and seeds.
Once cleared of debris, spread soil amendments in an even layer about one-half to one-inch inch thick. Using a rototiller, blend the amendments with the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches. For hybrid bermudagrass and Sunclipse St. Augustine sod lawns, rototill only to 4 inches.



3. Install sprinkler system: A sprinkler system is a virtual necessity for the survival of a lawn in the West, and is required to qualify for our One Year Gurarantee. When installing sprinklers, make sure the head will be flush with the adjoining sidewalks or cements structures, usually about 1 inch above the soil. A good landscape and irrigation supply business is an excellent place to start for design information and help. Remember, it is best to keep lawn irrigation systems separate from those for trees, shrubs and groundcovers. Also, incorporation of a timer in the system to control frequency and length of watering is strongly recommended. There are many excellent types available at a wide range of pricing and ease of installation and operation. Leave sprinkler risers capped while you finish grading the soil to avoid clogged sprinkler lines.



4. Rough grade the soil: Once again, clear the surface of any large root segments, rocks or debris that may have turned up with the tilling. Using a wide rake, begin leveling the area. Break up any large clods of dirt that remain. Make sure the soil level is approximately 1 inch below the edges of cement structures such as sidewalks, driveways or patios.






5. Fine Grade - Smooth surface with roller: Using a lawn roller, roll the area in two different directions. This will further help to break up clods and expose any high or low spots in your yard. Rolling also firms the soil and will help to minimize excessive settling. After rolling, fill in any low spots and "fine" grade the area. This is an especially important step for the installation of Hybrid Bermudas and Sunclipse St. Augustine. Excessive settling after installation of the sod will result in a very uneven mowing surface and poor appearance. Several days prior to the delivery and installation of your sod, the area should receive a good watering. This will enable the new sod to establish quickly. This is also the time to check out your sprinkler system. To avoid dry patches and to promote even growth, coverage should be overlapping from sprinkler head to sprinkler head. Prior to sod installation, check once again for settling and low areas. Regrade if necessary. To avoid compaction, be sure the soil is dry before rolling.

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