Sod Installation Guide

Professional Sod Installation Guide

A new lawn can completely transform your property — instantly boosting curb appeal, comfort, and value. At CT Sod, we specialize in delivering and installing fresh, farm-cut sod across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or landscape architect, our sod installation guide will help you understand the process and set your new lawn up for success.

Accurate measurements ensure you order the right amount of sod.

• Use a measuring wheel, tape measure, or even an online map tool.
   
• Sod is sold by the square foot — we recommend ordering 5–10% extra for trimming and odd-shaped areas.
   

📍 Need help measuring? Our team can assist during your consultation. Contact us today.

Healthy soil = a healthy lawn. Proper preparation is the foundation for long-term success.

• Most Northeast soils lean acidic. Sod thrives best between pH 6.0–7.0.
   
• A simple soil test will show if lime, compost, or fertilizer is needed.
   

• Strip away old vegetation to eliminate competition.
   
• For large areas, a sod cutter or professional prep service is the most efficient method.
   

• Till soil 4–6 inches deep to improve aeration and root penetration.
   
• Incorporate compost or screened topsoil for nutrients and structure.
   
• Final grade should slope slightly away from buildings to prevent puddling.
   

💡 Many CT Sod clients pair sod delivery with topsoil delivery from our partner suppliers for optimal results.

Timing matters. Sod is a living plant, and freshness is critical.

• Choose a sod variety suited to your property (Kentucky Bluegrass, Tall Fescue, or a blended mix).
   
• Schedule delivery for a day when you’re ready to install immediately.
   
• Sod left uninstalled can dry out quickly, especially in summer heat.
   

👉 Explore our sod pricing for CT, MA, and NY delivery.

Proper installation ensures seamless growth.

1. Start with a straight edge – along a driveway, patio, or sidewalk.
    
2. Stagger seams – lay sod in a brickwork pattern to prevent visible lines.
    
3. Tight joints, no overlaps – press edges together firmly without gaps.
    
4. Cut to fit – use a sharp utility knife for curves, trees, and borders.
    
5. Roll lightly – a lawn roller helps eliminate air pockets and ensures good root-to-soil contact.
    

Water is the most important factor for new sod survival.

• Within 30 minutes of installation, saturate the lawn so the soil is moist 4–6 inches deep.
   
• A simple trick: place an empty tuna can on the lawn — when it fills, you’ve applied about 1.5" of water.
   

Watering schedule:

• Weeks 1–2: Water daily, morning and late afternoon.
   
• Weeks 3–4: Water every other day.
   
• After 4 weeks: Transition to deep watering twice a week (depending on rainfall).
   

• Wait until grass reaches 3–4 inches before mowing.
   
• Mow on the highest setting and only when sod is firmly rooted.
   

• Apply a phosphorus-rich starter fertilizer after the first mow.
   
• Transition to a seasonal lawn fertilizer program to keep grass thick and green.
   

• Minimize foot traffic for the first 3–4 weeks to allow rooting.
   

• Farm-fresh sod — cut to order and delivered directly to your property.
   
• Professional crews with years of Northeast installation experience.
   
• Service coverage across CT, MA, and NY — including Fairfield, New Haven, Hartford, Boston, Worcester, Westchester County, Long Island, and more.
   
• Personalized guidance — from measurement to watering schedules, we help you every step of the way.
   

Whether you want a DIY delivery or full-service installation, CT Sod is here to help.

Looking for a more in depth post for sod installation? This is a long one but it covers everything - How to Lay Sod: The Ultimate Guide for Northeast U.S. Lawns

📞 Call us today: (203) 806-4086

💻 Request a free estimate: Contact Us

📊 See our sod pricing

Your dream lawn is just one call away. With CT Sod, you get expert advice, premium sod, and reliable service — from the first roll to your first mow.