Installing Live Turf / Sod

Installing live turf / Sod

It’s easy to install turf, just follow these steps and you can look forward to great looking lawn in a short amount of time.

Ordering and delivery

Turf is a perishable product and fresh cut to order. Ensure preparatory work has been completed before you receive your turf. Prompt installation is key to a healthy lawn. Call us at 250-721-5300 to place your order.

Pick-up: You are welcome to pick-up your new turf from our location but we recommend not letting it wait to long. When you order we’ll let you know when it will be available for pick-up. Conside that rolls of turf are heavy, awkward to lift and can be dirty to handle.

Delivery: if you’d like your turf delivered to your home or jobsite we will arrange that with you during the ordering process. We’ll book an approx time and let you know the delivery fee.

Sizing: Make sure to calculate the exact area you want to cover. Live turf rolls come 2ft wide by 4 1/2 feet long ( sq ft). A pallet contains 60 rolls or 540 sq ft of turf.

Step 1) Measuring

Measure the area that you intend to cover using a tape measure. Please do not pace it out. Exact measurements will give you the correct amount of turf, soil, and starter fertilizer needed to cover the area that you have indicated.

We recommend adding up to 10%for off cuts and trimming around trees, gardens, and pathways.

Step 2) Soil Preparation

For optimal results, cover the area 4-6 inches deep with tuf-turf sandy lawn blend.
After rolling, rake lightly with a landscape rake, this will smooth out the level area and reveal any dips or valleys which can be remedied with a few scoops of the tuf-turf sandy lawn blend. Raking lightly will also create a better surface for the turf roots to adhere to.
Smooth over the area ( we rent lawn rollers) and water to provide a moist, solid base for turf.

Step 3) Fertilization

Apply the correct amount of turf starter fertilizer to the area using a hand spreader. Ensure the fertilizer is spread evenly.

tufturf tip: Starter fertilizer should be applied when seeding or sodding your lawn. Starter fertilizer is high in phosphorus which promotes deep root growth and establishment of your new lawn

Step 4) Turf Installation

Begin installing turf along longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt edges flush against one-another. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in a brick-like fashion.Use a sharp knife to trim edges. On slopes, lay strips across slope.To avoid causing indentations or air pockets avoid walking on the turf while it is being installed or immediately after watering.

After installation, roll the entire surface to remove air pockets and ensure root to soil contact.

***Important that you rake the grass blades into a vertical position and water the grass until it is squishy wet.

We do recommend that Children and pets stay off of the turf for 10-14 days or until it’s first mowing.

Step 5) Watering

Begin watering the lawn turf within 30 minutes of installation. Continue to water daily and slowly reduce to twice weekly over a few weeks. NEVER let the sod get soggy.

When you are ready to give it the first mowing, then reduce the watering to ONE inch, ONE day a week. Measure it and time it, as that will train the roots to look for water deep in the ground resulting in a thick, beautiful lawn.

Step 6) Mowing

When your new lawn is ready for mowing, mow often, but remove no more than 1/3 of the grass height at a time. Always keep mower blades sharp and mower engine tuned. This will provide a cleaner cut and a well-tuned engine produces fewer emissions. Mow more frequently during peak growing seasons. To keep lawn healthy, remove clippings.

Ongoing maintenance

Once your new turf has turned into your new lawn you’ll want to refer to our lawn maintenance page for instruction on how to keep it looking great for years to come.