• Work the soil, level and smooth with rake.
• For best results, compact the soil with a roller. Rollers can be rented at many rental yards and home improvement centers. A roller can be used after sod installation to improve contact with the soil.
• Final grade should be 1 inch below walkways and driveways.
• Spread area with starter lawn fertilizer at rate recommended on the label (except in the summer – it creates disease problems).

• Watering within the first 1/2 hour of turf grass installation is the most important. Give your new lawn at least 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of water within 1/2 hour of installation.
• Water sod daily or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin. Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering.
• Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near building more often where reflected heat dries the turf.

With proper care, your lawn will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface and an improved environment. Here are some tips to keep your new lawn healthy after you install sod:

• Mow turf often – generally no more than a 1/3 of grass height ( generally 1.5-2” mowing height).
• Keep your mower blade sharp.
• Follow local TPI mowing recommendations for your type of lawn.
• Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weed, and disease conditions.
• For fertilizer and maintenance requirements, consult with our staff at A&M Sod Supply.

Brown spots on your lawn can diminish its beauty and are the most common issue faced by homeowners. At A&M Sod Supply, we often identify two main causes: inadequate watering and lawn diseases. It's important to diagnose these correctly since each requires a different approach. Simply increasing your irrigation might not be the solution and could worsen issues related to diseases.

To accurately diagnose the problem, try this simple method after your next lawn watering: wait an hour or two, then insert a screwdriver or hand shovel about an inch or two into the soil. With your fingers, assess the moisture level of the soil from both the brown and green patches of your lawn.

Conversely, if the soil in the brown areas retains similar or more moisture compared to the green areas, you might be dealing with a fungal disease. Signs of disease in fescue grass include a greasy or slimy texture, or a white tinge to the grass. Mushrooms growing in the lawn also indicate excessive moisture and possible disease. Lawn diseases thrive in the warm, moist conditions often found during summer months.

To prevent lawn diseases, A&M Sod Supply recommends avoiding evening watering, especially during the humid summer months. If you suspect a fungal infection, slightly reduce watering and apply a fungicide as directed on the product label. For personalized advice, bring a sample of your affected lawn to your local garden centre for expert guidance.

By understanding the specific needs of your lawn, you can keep it lush and healthy all year round.