Sod Installation FAQ
Question: Is fall a good time to lay new sod?
Answer: Yes, fall is the perfect time to lay new sod! Cooler fall temperatures are favourable in reducing transplant shock. Sod planted in the fall also requires less water to become established, so it allows you to conserve water and save some money on your bill. Completing your sod project in the fall sets you up with a beautiful, lush green lawn in the spring that you can enjoy right away!
Question: Can I install my own sod?
Answer: Absolutely! It is hard work, but it is a great way to save money, get some exercise, and take pride in your new lawn.
Question: How do I order sod?
Answer: To ensure we have your sod set aside at our Sale Center or Turf Farm location, or to book it for delivery, place your order by noon the day before by calling us at (403)-262-5600 or emailing sod@eaglelakelandscape.com.
Question: How do I know which type of sod is right for my yard and lifestyle?
Answer: We are proud to grow sod that is a Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) product, meaning that we offer the most drought-tolerant sod on the market. Visit the sod page on our website, EagleLakeLandscape.com for details of all the types of sod we grow.
Question: What size are the sod rolls? How much do they weigh?
Answer: A roll of sod is 10 sq ft (2’ wide by 5’ long). A pallet of sod includes a total of 70 rolls (700 sq ft). Sod can be ordered by the roll. Each roll weighs about 40lbs. If you drive a half ton pick up, we recommend you haul no more than about half a pallet of sod.
Question: Can I get sod delivered to my house?
Answer: Yes! Our sod is delivered with a 10’ wide Moffett forklift, which can only access areas where cars are able to. Our delivery fees range from $150 for 1-2 pallets, $125 for 2-6 pallets, and $100 for 6 or more pallets of sod.
Question: How long does sod survive on the pallet before it is installed?
Answer: Sod is a live product, meaning that typically it must be laid the same day it is delivered. Cooler fall temperatures may allow the sod to live another day on the pallet, but we cannot guarantee.
Question: How much do I need to water new sod?
Answer: Watering needs depend on conditions such as temperature, rain, and season. It is very important to water sod as soon as it is installed. For the first two weeks, avoid mowing and make sure to water enough so the ground underneath the sod is moist. If it is muddy, that is too much water. Once sod is established, you can scale back the watering. Instead of watering established sod daily for a short time, it is much more efficient to do less frequent but deeper waterings to promote healthy root growth. An old gardening cliche states that sod needs “one inch of water per week,” which is simply not true. Modern-day sod requires significantly less water and our TWCA sod is the most drought-tolerant turfgrass available.
Question: Is fertilizer important?
Answer: Fertilizer is very important! Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply highly recommends spreading fertilizer on the soil just before laying sod. We supply Turf Starter fertilizer and ProPeat Organic fertilizer, which are perfect for new sod. We are happy to deliver fertilizer with your sod. Visit our website for more details about fertilizer: Eagle Lake Fertilizers
Question: What are some sod installation tips and tricks from the professionals?
Answer:
- The most important piece of advice we can offer is to take the time to properly grade the area with a large rake to level and smooth the soil to to remove any clumps or debris.
- Calgary soil tends to be very clay heavy. Ideally, when grading, use Eagle Lake Garden Blend soil to amend the soil with a structure and nutrient boost. The better the soil, the healthier the lawn!
- Lay a perimeter of sod rolls around the outside edges of the area to prevent the ends of the rolls drying out that stick into the perimeter.
- Make sure all the edges are tucked tightly together.
- Lay the rolls in a staggered “brick” pattern, so the ends don’t line up between rows. This helps prevent drying out. Laying the rolls across a slope instead of up and down will help prevent water from draining down the joints.
- Rolling your new sod will help increase root to soil contact.
Question: Can you recommend a contractor to install my sod?
Answer: Absolutely. Contact us with your project details, and we can recommend some excellent contractors in your area.
If you have any other questions please contact us by calling (403)-262-5600 or emailing sod@eaglelakelandscape.com We would be very happy to help.