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INSTALLING A NEW LAWN
How to prepare your future lawn location.
1. Remove existing weeds, roots and debris from the area If you
have an existing lawn that needs to be removed, the grass should
be killed and allowed to sit for atleast 2 weeks prior to removal.
After removal of the dead turf, clear the ground of all remaining
debris until the area is just soil.
2. Preparing the soil: remove all rocks, weeds, twigs, leaves,
and other debris. Spread soil amendments in an even layer about
one inch thick, Use a rototiller to blend the amendments into the
soil. Soil tilled about 6inches deep should be good. Remove any
roots or debris that may have surfaced.
3. Install a sprinkler system: irrigation contractors or local
hardware stores can help you select the irrigation and sprinklers
right for the job. Irrigation sprinkler manufactures often offer
assistance in designing your sprinkler layout.
4 . Grade the area- Smooth the surface with a rake or roller, be
sure to fill in any low spots and take soil from high points. The
area should be evenly graded and finely raked. The soil grade should
be about 3/4-1" below the final grade of the new lawn if you
are using sod and about 1/4-1/2 inch if you are seeding.
5 . Water your lawn and test your irrigation system to see that
all areas are getting an even amount of water. You may want to apply
a "Starter Fertilizer" to the area prior to seeding or
laying Sod. For Sod Lawns Start laying sod from the back of your
area to the front using the longest straight line as a guide. Wet
the area with a hose using a pistol that allows for an even spray
to be emitted. Work by laying sod back towards the front so you
do not to step on the freshly laid sod. Butt the edges and ends
to fit tightly against each other, this is very important as Sod
will sometimes Shrink and Ends become apparent .Stagger strips as
though laying bricks to offset the seams.
6. Cut Excess Using a Sod knife. When laying Sod against borders
and hard edges you may press the sod against the edge and then lift
up to see the impression and where to cut.
7. After all the sod has been laid use a sod roller to go over
the new sod. Make sure there is good contact between the soil and
sod, air pockets can dry out and kill the sod. When you are finished,
water your lawn and program your sprinkler system to give the new
lawn adequate water to keep it squishy wet for the first week. After
the first week adjust your system to give the lawn a few deep waterings
per week. You should plan to mow your lawn about 3 weeks after the
Sod was laid.
For seed lawns Use a seed spreader to spread seed throughout th
lawn area, follow the instructions on the Seed package for settings
for your particular type of lawn seed. Some seed will prefer different
depths and coverings for best results.
Additional Links
Selecting a Lawn Mower
http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/
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