Sod Installation & “Watering In” FAQs

How soon after I buy sod do I need to lay it?

Same day. All sod is cut fresh to order and is a living, perishable plant. Please have your site prepared and ready so that your sod is installed and watered the day you receive it.

Is it difficult to install?

No, not at all. Just pick up a roll, lay it on the ground, and unroll. It’s that easy. Be sure to “butt” the edges tight with no overlapping. Check out our DIY Sod Installation page for a simple installation guide.

How long does it take to install sod?

One pallet (600 square feet) generally takes 1 person approximately 1-1 ½ hours to install. Hard to access areas and those requiring a lot of cutting will take longer.

If I can’t get all of my sod installed the same day I receive it, is it ok to water it while it is still rolled up on the pallet?

NO. Because of all of the nitrogen in the plant, sod will heat up and begin to ferment if left rolled up. Covering a pallet and/or watering the sod while rolled up, especially in hot weather, will compound the problem.

If you absolutely cannot install all of your sod within 24 hours, the following tips will help prolong the shelf life of your sod:

  1. Unroll the sod in another location and water it
  2. If step #1 is not feasible, place the pallet(s) in the shade.
  3. Take off the top half of the rolls from the pallet, allowing more oxygen to get to the bottom layers.

How much should I water the new sod after laying?

Begin watering newly laid sod within 30 minutes of installation. Apply at least 1” of water so that the soil beneath the turf is wet. Ideally 3”-4” of soil beneath the surface should be moist. Read more watering tips for new sod!