Do It Yourself

For the do-it-yourself install, our delivery services will help you complete your job with minimal effort. All our trucks are equipped with forklifts to spot turf where you need it, saving you the time and effort of moving the turf. Our 2' by 5' small rolls are lightweight, easily manageable, and help cut waste at the outer edge of your jobsite.

So How Do I Get Started?

1. Measure

Before ordering sod for your new lawn you must figure the square footage of sod needed. To make the calculation simple, often this total can be reduced to a series of squares and rectangles. Using the following formula makes the task easy and gives you an accurate count of square feet needed.

2. Prep

For optimum growth, turf needs just four things (in the proper balance) to grow...sunlight, air, water and nutrients. Grass obtains three of these four essential factors (air, water and nutrients) from the soil, but many soils are less than ideal for growing grass. Following these instructions will help to insure your soil is properly prepared for turf so you can enjoy the benefits of a turf lawn for years.

Clear the site of all building materials (wood, cement, bricks, etc.), as well as any buried stumps, rocks, stones or other debris that is larger than 2-3 inches in diameter.

Rough grade the entire area to eliminate any drainage problems on the property. This would include sloping the grade away from building foundations, eliminating or reducing severe slopes and filling low-lying areas. A tractor-mounted blade and/or box are most often used for rough grading, but if the area is smaller, it can be done with hand tools. The rough grading will probably uncover more debris that should be removed and not buried.

Initial tilling, to a depth of at least 2 inches, should be completed prior to adding any topsoil or soil amendments. This will control most annual weeds, alleviate subsoil compaction and permit a bonding of the topsoil to the subsoil and improve root penetration and water movement.

Add topsoil to achieve a total topsoil depth of 2 inches, after firming. The topsoil should be clean screened topsoil or other soil suitable for the area. To the extent possible, practical, affordable and available, incorporate humus (fully decomposed organic matter) into the topsoil.

Test the soil pH with a chemical soil test to determine if any pH correction materials are required. Acidic soils (pH of 6 and below) can be improved with the addition of lime. The type (or source) and total amount of applied lime will be determined by the level of acidity and should be based on the recommendations of a reliable garden center or turf professional.

Alkaline soils (pH of 7.5 and higher) can be improved with the addition of sulfur or gypsum. As with acidic soil correction materials, the type and total amount of materials will be determined by the level of alkalinity and should be based on professional recommendations.

Apply "starter fertilizer" such as a 12 - 12 - 12, at a rate recommended for the particular product. To prevent root injury to newly installed turf sod, this fertilizer should be worked into the top 2 inches.

Finish grade the entire site, maintaining the rough grading contours and slopes, with a tractor-mounted box blade on large areas or heavy-duty rake on smaller sites.

3. Order

Once you have you measurements, and know your total square footage, you can order online by clicking here, or call us at 616-669-7715 or 1-866-NEW-TURF to place your order.

4. Install

Install your lawn immediately upon delivery and begin watering the sod within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! Begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such as a driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope. To avoid causing indentations or air pockets avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the turf while it is being installed or just after watering. After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf/soil contact and remove air pockets. In hot weather, protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in shade, and sprinkling.

Do it yourself

Do it yourself