HomeServicesSod Installation and Our Process

At Chamberlain & Sons Landscaping, we have a time-tested and proven method of installing sod. As we head into the warm season, there are a few basic house-keeping items to take care of. You’ll want to make sure your irrigation system is working properly and have some starter fertilizer after a harsh cold season in Idaho.

We’ll measure the area to give you a reasonable price based on the square footage of your yard. Then, we’ll make sure you understand what you’re paying for and agree on the terms of service before we start. For example, you might want us to install a sprinkler system to water your new yard – that’s optional.

The only thing you’ll be surprised about is how fast we can make your lawn look great.

If our price fits your budget, we can dive into the specifics of how you want the sod to be placed. You can expect to pay for the sod and time spent on installation. For example, do you want straight edges or an oddly shaped contour? Decisions… decisions… Customers are typically required to pay half the estimate before we purchase grass from the sod farm. Although, we can accommodate some special billing requests. Otherwise, it’s not too difficult to learn how to lay sod yourself.

Laying Sod

Before we install your sod, we need to prepare your ground by leveling the surface and laying top soil. We can also check the ground for pH imbalances with a soil test kit. We’ll need to install the fresh sod as quickly as possible when it’s delivered.

We prefer placing the sod pieces in a shady area while it’s waiting to be spread. We don’t want to scare you, but sod is a living, breathing plant. The transplant process must be done quickly to prevent the plant tissue from drying out and dying.

Each piece of sod will cover a few square feet. As we place it, we use a lawn roller to prevent air pockets from getting trapped under the surface. We’ll also be sure to cut around any sprinkler heads with a utility knife or sod cutter if you have a sprinkler system installed.

Depending on the size of your yard, this process will take a few days. Once we’re finished, you’ll have a beautiful yard with every foot of lawn covered in high-quality grass.

Lawn Care For Your New Lawn

There are a few simple things to do after your sod is installed. Grass needs a lot of water during the first six weeks to allow the root system to take hold. We also recommend staying off the new sod for a few weeks to prevent any damage… yes, this includes pets. If you have sprinklers, make sure the spray reaches every square foot of the yard so that enough water is flowing to the sod roots.

• Keep the soil wet for the first 4-6 weeks
• Check your sprinklers for appropriate coverage
• Stay off the lawn during the first 3 weeks (including pets)
• Add fertilizer to promote growth

Last, we recommend fertilizing your lawn every six months to keep it happy and healthy. You can dial back your watering to a few days a week (depending on the season) after your sod has permanently taken hold.