Installation and Preparation

Has your lawn become a weed infested patch of brown? The good news, it is easy to restore beauty to your lawn with Genuine Marathon Sod. Follow these sod installation and preparation tips from Los Angeles County Sod Farm.


Orange County Sod Farm Installation Tips

Sod Installation and Preparation Tips:

Step 1: Kill Old Lawn

Kill the old lawn to prepare for sodFor best results, first water and fertilize your lawn so that it is in a vigorous growth mode. Then spray entire lawn with Roundup®, carefully following directions on the packaging. Roundup is a highly effective herbicide that enters the plant through its foliage and is translocated all the way down to its root system. Two cycles of watering and spraying three weeks apart will usually completely kill your old lawn and weeds.


Step 2: Remove Dead Lawn

Using a sod cutter, strip away dead turf. Roll or section dead turf and discard. Sod cutters can usually be found at a local equipment rental yard or nursery.


Step 3: Rototill Soil


Only after removing rocks or debris, rototill soil to a depth of 4″ – 6″. Contact our team here at Orange County Sod Farm for soil amendment and irrigation recommendations.


Step 4: Rake and Fine Grade.

Rake and Grade for Sod Installation
Rake to break up large clods and remove any remaining debris. Fine grade by scraping across the surface to smooth uneven areas.


Step 5: Install Sprinkler System.


Heads should be spaced to have full head to head overlap to avoid having dry patches and to promote even growth.

Important! Correct sprinkler layout can make or break a successful lawn installation. Follow these tips:

  • Use the same sprinkler head model throughout the lawn.
  • Space sprinklers so that they have 100% overlap.
  • Place a sprinkler head in each geometric corner.
  • Group sprinklers in areas of sun and shade on separate valves.

Step 6: Finish Grade

Finish Grade for Sod Installation
After installing irrigation, finish grade to 1/2″ below walkways. Please note sod is uniformly machine cut and will conform to any irregularities.


Step 7: Apply Marathon Sod and Seed Starter

Apply Marathon Fertilizer
Distribute the Marathon Fertilizer evenly over prepared area either by hand or by using a “whirlybird” style applicator. Avoid applying under windy conditions. For best results, follow directions on the bag.


Step 8: Roll Soil

Roll Soil Sod Preparation
Roll soil to settle and firm the surface. Fine grade again if necessary. (Rollers are available from a local nursery or rental yard). Soil should be dry to avoid compaction.


Step 9: Lay Sod Immediately Upon Delivery

Sod Installation Tips Lay Sod Immediately
Begin laying sod adjacent to the longest boundary of the area to be covered. Stagger each new row of sod so that seams are offset, as in a brick wall. Butt ends and edges tightly together. Cut sod with heavy knife to conform to curved boundaries and planters. After the first 200 square feet are installed, water sod lightly to prevent wilting.


Step 10: Roll Sod

Sod Installation Roll Sod
When all the sod is installed, use a roller over the entire lawn to ensure a good contact between the sod and native soil.


Step 11: Water Lawn Evenly

Sod Installation Water Lawn
After all the sod is down and rolled, turn on your sprinklers and let them run until the sod is soaked. Learn about watering schedules on our sod care page.


Step 12: Mowing

Sod care and maintenance
Mowing should begin one week after installation.