Sod calculator

Water it thoroughly as soon as it is installed, then at least once a day for the first two weeks. Make sure the soil beneath the sod gets wet, water more often in hot or windy weather, and ease back as the sod roots.

Yes, starter or preplant fertilizer can be worked into the prepared soil before the sod is laid when a soil test or local recommendation calls for it. If the soil is already fertile or the sod was fertilized by the grower, wait until it has rooted and growth or color begins to fade—often 4 to 6 weeks—before feeding it again.

Add topsoil when construction removed the usable soil, rocky or compacted subsoil dominates, or the grade needs to be rebuilt. Otherwise, remove debris, correct drainage, loosen the existing soil, and add only the amendments called for by a soil test.

Keep routine foot traffic off new sod until it is rooted and has been mowed several times. Mow with a lightweight mower when the grass is no more than one-third above its target height and the soil is firm enough that the mower will not leave ruts.

Wait until the sod is firmly rooted and cannot be lifted at the seams. For routine aeration, use the next active-growth window—often several months after installation; some local programs recommend waiting through the first year, so follow the timing for your grass and region.