What are the benefits of laying Sod?
Planning Your Yard
Installing a Sprinkler System
Here are some of the benefits of a sprinkler system: Good sprinkler 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. When there is less evaporation and the water can soak in. It waters in multiple cycles to prevent any run-off, encouraging deep rooting for your Sod. Set the sprinkler to water when you are on vacation or away from home.
Measuring For Sod
Step One:
On a piece of paper, draw a rough sketch of the areas to be sodded. Measure the areas and simply write down your measurements on the drawing. You can then break up the areas into the shapes below and figure out the square footage of each area. Then simply add up the measurements from the different shapes, and you will have the grand total of Sod that you will need.
*Note: Please remember that we can’t take back sod once it has left our farm or been delivered to you. In the event that you do run out, we always have more Sod. This guide will help you measure and order accurately. Please check your numbers twice. Classic Turf cannot take responsibility for footage figures unless we measure it ourselves. If you need help determining measurements on an unusually shaped or especially large project, let us know.
Square or Rectangle
This is the easiest shape to measure. Simply measure the Length & Width in square feet and multiply, as in the example below.
Length (24) x Width (12)
12 x 24 = 288 sq.ft. = 288 square feet is the Total Area to be Sodded
Right Triangle Shape
A Right Triangle shape has one 90º corner. To determine the amount of Sod needed, multiply the two sides that contact the right angle and then divide by 2, as in the example below.
Length (24) x Width (12)
12 x 24 = 288 sq.ft. divided by 2 = 144 sq.ft. is the Total Area to be Sodded
Circle Shape
To measure the area of a circle, first measure the radius of the circle (the radius is the distance from the center of the circle to the outside edge). Then multiply the radius times the radius, and then multiply that number by 3.14, as in the example below.
(Radius x Radius) x 3.14 = Area
6 x 6 = 36 x 3.14 = 113 sq.ft. is the Total Area to be Sodded
Irregular or Unusual Area Shapes
The measurement for irregular areas is simple to determine using a combination of the methods already described. Firstly, break the total space into smaller shapes, as illustrated below. Then determine the square footage of each of the smaller shapes. In the example below, the circle is cut in half, there’s a rectangle, and a triangle. Finally, add up all of the smaller areas for a grand total in sq.ft. (The sq.ft. for the circle is divided in 2 in the example below).
288 + 144 + 56.5 = 488.5 sq.ft. is the Total Area to be Sodded
Surface Grading (leveling)
Initial ground preparation
Watering your newly installed Sod
Fertilizing your new Sod
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 installed your sod and how to proceed with fertilization. Be sure to read and follow label directions for application methods and water in after the fertilizer is applied.