Hanson Valley SOD

Hanson Valley Sod recommends you to do these preparations before sodding your yard:

Have all of your landscaping completed prior to laying your sod. We like to see a smooth finish on your dirt, (lumps about the size of a nickel or smaller) with about 1" of loose soil on top, for the grass to root into. In regions where your soil is very sandy, try to have about 6" of black dirt topsoil to retain moisture. This will increase the time between watering after your sod is established.
If you plan to put in a sprinkler system, it is best if it is done and operational before sodding.
Some landscapers and home owners will choose to plant their small trees and hedges after installing their large rolls of sod. This will give them more room to work while operating the sodding machinery. When using small rolls it is good to finish other landscaping before the sod is installed.
Contact Hanson Valley Sod to arrange the harvesting quantity, delivery time and location, and what services we can provide to you at your site.
Mowing of your new lawn may start in about 1 week to 10 days after installing your sod, depending on the growth. Remember the 1/3" rule. Cut only 1/3 of the grass height at any time you mow. Keep your grass about 2 1/2" to 3" tall for the first few cuttings, to conserve moisture and reduce stress.

Start along a straight edge working towards a planned finish point so you do not have to work across freshly laid sod.
Alternate seams to prevent water erosin and continuous lines.
Lay sod across hills when possible to contour erosion.
Get the seams tight but not overlapping. Sod turf will shrink as it dries. Hot winds will get into these cracks and speed up the drying which is not good.
Remember to start watering as soon as possible. Water on newly installed grass the first hour will save a weeks worth of watering.
After the initial watering, roll the lawn to get good contact with the new sod and the ground. Continue to water the new grass generously for 2-3 weeks to establish the lawn.
Starter fertilizer can be applied on the ground just prior to installing the sod or it can be applied after the sod is installed. Your new lawn will need fertilizer and water to get a good healthy start and to stay healthy.

When cutting a sod roll, cut from the dirt side, it will cut easier and neater.
Along landscaping or buildings, cut the large rolls of sod into 6' - 8' lengths so it is easier to slide.
Trees: start unrolling at the tree and move away. Unroll from both sides if necessary.