Rake Smooth and Firm
After tilling in any ammendments, rake the area to be replanted until it's smooth. Remove any stones larger than a 1/2 inch in size as well as any vegetative matter brought to the surface during tilling.
If you are doing the finish grading yourself, a landscaping rake (hard rake) is the best tool for working soil to the proper grade and smoothness. Landscape contractors will often use an attachment, such as a "harley rake" or "pulverizer" to obtain a smooth finish grade.
After the finish grade is completed, and before laying the sod, it's helpful to roll the prepared soil to provide a firmer base on which to work and to foster adequate soil structure. Fill a lawn roller about 1/3 full of water for this job, and roll the soil until your footprints are no deeper than 1/2 inch.
Broadcast Fertilizer
After rolling, broadcast a good "starter fertilizer" that is high in phosphorus (the middle number) over the entire soil bed at rates recommended on the bag. If you applied composted manure or other organic matter, a starter fertilizer will not be necessary.
NOTE: DO NOT apply a weed and feed fertilizer or weed preventer at this time. Sod should be rooted in well and mowed several times before applying any weed killer or preventer. Typically, you shouldn't have an immediate weed problem with newly planted sod grass unless your sod came with weeds growing in it! Sod planted during the summer months can be treated with a weed preventer in fall to prevent winter weeds so long as it is rooted in well.
Laying The Sod
Before you begin laying the sod, very lightly water the area. Be prepared to begin work when your order is delivered. Sod can go bad quickly, especially if it begins to heat up or dry out.
Purchase your sod grass from a local sod company. Your local nursery and garden center may sell sod grass, and, if not, should be able to provide you with a good source.
TIP: Sod grass usually comes 450 to 500 square feet to the pallet, depending on the type. To be sure, ask the supplier how many square feet comes on a pallet. Before your sod grass arrives, measure and mark out 450 or 500 square feet areas (20' x 25') over the sod bed, using "marker paint". If you do not have equipment to off-load the heavy pallets of sod grass, make sure at time of ordering to tell the sod supplier to bring a forklift for off-loading. Have the delivery driver place the pallets just outside the marked areas.
Lay sod over one marked section at a time. Start with a section that borders a straight edge, such as a drive or walkway. Lay one strip, or row, of sod along the straight edge. Then, lay a new row aside the first straight row. The second row should be laid so that the lines between the squares of sod that were used on the first row, are at the middle of the squares being laid on the second row in a staggered pattern as shown in the diagram.
To cut pieces of sod that may be needed for small spaces, use a hatchet, machete, J-blade (bush ax), or a "weed eater" trimmer with a sod cutting attachment tool.
TIP: While laying the sod you can lightly water sections as they are completed. Water just enough to keep the sod grass from drying out until you have completed the entire job.
