TOPSOIL: For best results, make sure there is a cover of at least 3-5 inches of good topsoil. Add topsoil where necessary.
PEAT - MOSS/COMPOST: For sandy, light or paddy soils, apply either 1 inch of compost material or 2-4 bales of peat-moss per 1,000 sq. ft and work into the top couple inches of soil. Either practice will increase the nutrient level and enhance the water holding capacity of the soil.
LIME: The optimum growing conditions for turfgrass usually exist where the soil is neutral to slightly acid (7.0-6.0). It is best to have a soil test made and to follow the recommendations given for the lime application. If this is not possible, an application of 80 lbs.of limestone/1,000 sq.ft. will usually meet most soil requirements.
FERTILIZER: To give the sod a quick start and provide an even richer green color, incorporate a complete lawn fertilizer into the soil before sod installation (18-24-12 or a similar 1-2-1 ratio) and spread at 5 pounds per 1000 square feet.
TILLING: Rototill or spade these materials to a depth of about 3-5 inches. A thorough mixing of all materials will insure deep root growth.
GRADING: Rough grade to remove stones, roots, and debris, and to provide a slope away from foundations to eliminate drainage problems. Fine grade, using wood rake or equivalent.
WATERING: Where the prepared ground is exceptionally dry, moisten prior to sodding, but do not saturate the soil so it cannot be walked on without making imprints and disturbing final grade when sodding.
PEAT - MOSS/COMPOST: For sandy, light or paddy soils, apply either 1 inch of compost material or 2-4 bales of peat-moss per 1,000 sq. ft and work into the top couple inches of soil. Either practice will increase the nutrient level and enhance the water holding capacity of the soil.