Installation
Here at Dunteman Turf Farms, we have proudly been servicing Elburn, DeKalb, St. Charles, Geneva, Aurora, Naperville, Elgin and Yorkville, Illinois. At Dunteman Turf Farms we want to ensure that we can provide our clients with the highest quality service and products. Listed below you can find landscape installation tips for your property. We have broken down the categories by measuring and ordering, soil preparation, turf installation and watering. We encourage you to take a moment to review all steps in order to ensure that your property receives the appropriate attention it deserves.
Step 1 — Measuring and Ordering
With a tape, measure the area of your planned lawn. Include these measurements on a sketch of the lawn area, with the length, width, and any unusual features. Schedule your order for delivery of turf after preparatory work is completed and you are ready to install. Prompt installation on the day of delivery is crucial to a strong beginning for your lawn.
Step 2 — Soil Preparation
For best result, rototill or spade the area to a depth of 4 to 6 inches. Eliminate drainage problems by having soil slope away from foundations etc.
Soil test your lawn area with the assistance of qualified service in your area. Then rake in fertilizer, lime, peat, compost, etc. as needed to a depth of 3 to 4 inches. Rake and smooth the soil removing rocks, roots and large clods. Roll the area lightly with a lawn roller ⅓ full of water. This will firm the soil surface and reveal low areas that need more soil. Keep the grade 1/2 an inch below sidewalks or driveway.
Water the prepared area to settle soil and provide a moist base for turf. Moistening to a depth of 6 inches is recommended for most soils.
Step 3 — Turf Installation
Install your lawn immediately upon delivery. Begin watering lawn within 30 minutes of installation. Turf is a living plant that requires ground contact and moisture to survive! In hot weather, protect unlaid turf by placing stacks in shade.
Begin installing turf along the longest straight line, such a s driveway or sidewalk. Butt and push edges and ends against each other tightly, without stretching. Avoid gaps or overlaps. Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-line fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc. Avoid leaving small strips at outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope.
To avoid causing indentations or air pockets avoid repeated walking or kneeling on the turf while it is being installed or just after watering.
After installing the turf, roll the entire area to improve turf/soil contact and remove air pockets.
Step 4 — Watering
Give your new lawn at least 1 inch of water within ½ hour of installation. Water daily, or more often, keeping turf moist until it is firmly rooted (about 2 weeks). Then less frequent and deeper watering should begin.
Weather conditions will dictate the amount and frequency of watering. Be certain that your new lawn has enough moisture to survive hot, dry, or windy periods. Water areas near building more often were reflected heat dries the turf.
Caution
During the first three weeks, avoid heavy or concentrated use of your new lawn. This gives the roots an opportunity to firmly knit with the soil, and insures that the turf will remain smooth.
Maintenance
Your new sod lawn increases your property value significantly. With proper care, it will remain a great asset, providing beauty, a clean playing surface, and an improved environment.
Mow often, generally removing no more than ⅓ of the grass height at each mowing. Keep your mower blade sharp.
Fertilizer and chemical applications will depend on climate, sod type, soil, insects, weed and disease conditions.
Contact Us
The professionals at Dunteman Turf Farms urge you to contact our team directly at 630-557-2900 with any questions regarding installation.