EZ Installs


Empire Zoysia Installation Tips



Soil Preparation
1. Proper soil preparation is essential to the success of your turfgrass sod installation. If possible, you should begin by loosening the soil to a depth of from 2 to 6 inches. This can be done with a rototiller, garden tractor, disc, spading fork, or shovel. After final raking or smoothing, apply a balanced time-release fertilizer with the equivalent of 1 pound of active nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 sq. ft. And rake-in or mix with the soil to a depth of 1 to 2 inches. (Your County agent can determine present soil pH conditions). 2. Level low spots and make slopes as gentle as possible. Rake out all old vegetation and any other objects that might present a problem in leveling or smoothing the soil surface. 3. If soil is loose, use a roller to firm it and reveal any high areas or ones that need final leveling prior to laying the sod. 4. Thoroughly moisten the soil to a depth of 3 to 4 inches a day or so before your sod is to arrive. The soil should be moist but not muddy before sodding.
Installation
IMPORTANT: Lay your turfgrass sod as soon as possible after it arrives.
1. Determine exactly how much turfgrass sod you need and where you will use it before you order. Allow 10% extra turfgrass for trimming and fitting around irregular areas. Also be sure to have enough help on hand to get all the turfgrass installed and watered within 24 hours of delivery (even less in extremely hot or dry weather). 2. Carefully plan and mark where you want the pallets of turfgrass placed on your site. You'll save time by not carrying sod all around your yard. 3. Important: If the weather is hot, give the soil a light sprinkling with water to cool the surface before laying the sod. Soil heated by the bright summer sun can damage the tender roots of freshly cut turfgrass sod. 4. Begin laying the turfgrass along the longest straight edge - such as a drive-way, curb, etc. All edges and seams should be tightly butted together. Joints between pieces will be scarcely noticeable if firmly joined. Avoid standing or kneeling directly on the turfgrass, as this can leave indentations in the soft, moist soil underneath. 5. The turfgrass may be easily cut with a sharp knife to fit closely around the contours of trees, shrubs, buildings, drive and walk ways. Avoid using small pieces which don't hold moisture. 6. After the turfgrass is in place, the entire freshly sodded surface area should be lightly rolled to insure a smooth surface. 7. When you have laid an area of turfgrass large enough for your sprinkler or irrigation system, begin watering that area immediately. 8. Water your new turfgrass twice daily for the first 2 weeks to help assure the sod is firmly rooted in the soil. Be sure to check watering depth to be certain it reaches down at least 3 inches. As the roots take hold, you can taper off watering to once per day, then once every other day, then as needed. 9. DO NOT apply any herbicide to turf until grass has had two growing months to get firmly established. Applying herbicide during the establishment phase will damage the turf.
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