Prepairing for Sod

Planning Your Yard

Create your unique landscape plan by taking into consideration the things you love most. Sod works well with xeroscaping, rock, mulch, flower beds, trees, and fences. Plan your process so that you can access areas to be sodded easily: leave out fence panels where possible to allow forklift access for the Sod. Kremer's forklifts need about 8 ft access for placing pallets of sod in your yard. We can also hand carry in the Sod or use wheelbarrows when necessary.

Installing a Sprinkler System

Kremer's Turf Farm can recommend several professional sprinkler companies to help with this step. A well designed sprinkler system conserves water, and saves you time & money - adding value to your home.

Here are the benefits:
Good systems apply water in a uniform, consistent and efficient manner. It allows you to water at optimal times: late in the evening, at night & early in the morning. That's when there is less evaporation and the water can really soak in. It waters in multiple cycles to prevent any run-off, encouraging deep rooting for your Sod. Set it to water when you are on vacation or away from home.

Measuring For Sod

How to determine the measurement for sod in square feet (sq.ft.).
Measuring the amount of Sod you will need is really quite easy using a few simple guidelines. These methods will give you the total amount needed in square feet for your project. Please note that all of our sod is sold by the sq.ft., so these guidelines
will allow you to order just the right amount. Guidelines for calculating sq.ft.

Surface Grading (leveling)

Grading is an important step of prepairing for sod. Creating the correct grade make sure that water drains away from the house, and removes any low lying areas which may collect water. Visit our blog to for more information on grading, and to find a grading specialist in your area. Surface Grading

Initial ground preparation

A key step in ensuring the success of your new sod.

Spray weeds with RoundUp® or a glyphosate product, and let sit 1 week. Repeat if necessary Remove existing weeds, rock and debris from the area. Spread three cubic yards per thousand square feet of surface with compost Roto-till the compost to a minimum of four inches deep Rake the installation site until it is smooth and level Smooth out the grade on any hills or slopes to be sodded'

Grade areas next to driveways and sidewalks to 1.5 inches below top of concrete. Use a roller, wheel pack, or water to firm up & compact the freshly tilled ground. Rolling the yard is not necessary but can help the sod to contact the soil. It can smooth out minor imperfections, and can be repeated a week or two later to creat ultra smooth sod areas.

Rainfall and snow also will settle the tilled ground naturally. Good soil preparation can help you use up to 30% less water on your yard. Have all hoses & sprinklers on site & ready for the initial watering. Check to make sure all underground sprinkler systems are operational. Initial ground preparation

Watering your newly installed Sod

Watering is the single most important step in maintaining a healthy lawn. Begin watering your new lawn within 30 minutes after the installation is completed. A new lawn should be watered for about 20 minutes 2-3 times a day for two weeks. You may want to lift a corner of the sod and make sure the water is penetrating into the soil several inches. Make sure your new lawn has enough water to survive hot, dry or windy days.

Over the next two weeks, you can slowly begin transitioning from 3 times a day, to a schedule of 1 time every 2-3 days. Watch the sod for signs of stress and adjust your watering times as needed. A good time to water is during the mornings and evening hours when there is less evaporation.

Fertilizing your new Sod

One of the many advantages from buying Sod direct from the farm is the ongoing care and feeding that we do prior to you getting it from us. We regularly fertilize with high quality mixes and also spray pre-emergents onto our turf: that prevents weeds from sprouting here and when you get it home. Many Sod Farms offer all kinds of lines of fertilizer and other products; we do not.

Once your new lawn is installed, you should fertilize it about three times per year. Consult with us or with your favorite garden center for advice on a good commercial fertilizer; we'll advise you based on the time of year you install your sod how to proceed with fertilization. Be sure to read and follow label directions for application methods and water in after the fertilizer is applied.

For more information on what to do after your sod is installed, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.