Sod Installation Guide – Calgary Lawn Care

📄 Sod Installation Guide – Calgary Lawn Care

Installing sod properly is the foundation of a healthy, vibrant lawn—especially in Calgary’s unique climate. Follow this step-by-step guide from Direct Landscape Supply to help your new sod establish strong roots and thrive for years to come.

🌱 Soil Preparation

1. Clear the Area
Remove all debris, rocks, weeds, and old grass from the installation area.

2. Rototill the Soil
Rototill the soil to a depth of 3–6 inches. Till in one direction first, then crosswise to properly loosen and break up compacted soil.

3. Grade & Shape
Grade and shape the area to achieve your desired contours and ensure proper drainage away from buildings and hard surfaces.

4. Improve Soil Quality
Add Premium Lawn & Garden Soil or Compost (Bulk Bag) to improve soil structure and nutrients. Ensure a final soil depth of 3–6 inches of quality growing medium.

5. Apply Root Starter Fertilizer
Apply Root Starter Fertilizer evenly over the prepared soil. Lightly rototill or rake to incorporate the fertilizer into the top layer of soil.

6. Final Grading & Smoothing
Rake the surface smooth and even. Lightly roll the area and rake again as needed to remove depressions and high spots. The finished surface should be firm, level, and smooth before laying sod.

🧱 Sod Installation

1. Start Straight
Begin laying sod along a straight edge such as a driveway, curb, sidewalk, or use a taut string line as a guide.

2. Lay in a Brickwork Pattern
Stagger seams in a brick-like pattern to prevent long continuous joints and improve stability.

3. Fit Joints Tightly
Butt all sod pieces tightly together without overlapping or stretching. Avoid leaving gaps between pieces.

4. Secure on Slopes
On steep slopes, use sod staples or stakes to prevent shifting during watering and root establishment.

5. Trim to Fit
Cut sod with a sharp knife or edger to fit around curves, corners, trees, and garden beds.

6. Roll for Root Contact
Roll the installed sod using a landscape roller filled about one-third with water to ensure good root-to-soil contact and eliminate air pockets.

7. Water Immediately
Begin watering as soon as the first row is laid. Your initial watering should soak through the sod and into the soil to a depth of approximately 4 inches.

✅ Pro Tips for Best Results

Install sod as soon as possible after delivery (sod is perishable).
Avoid walking on newly installed sod until roots begin to establish.
Follow your watering schedule carefully for the first 3–4 weeks.
Refer to our Sod Watering Guide for detailed post-installation care.