Complete Guide to Establishing Centipedegrass from Sod

Site Preparation

• Kill weeds with non-selective herbicide two weeks before planting.
• Till thoroughly to 6 inches, incorporating lime and fertilizer per soil test (or 50 lbs lime + 20 lbs 5-10-15 per 1,000 sq ft if untested).
• Add 1 inch composted organic matter; mix thoroughly.
• Rake smooth, remove debris, roll to reveal low spots, fill low spots.
• Critical: Irrigate ¼–½ inch night before laying—soil must be damp.

Sod Installation

• Start along longest straight edge; lay pieces tightly end-to-end.
• Stagger seams in brick pattern.
• Trim with hatchet or sharp shovel around obstructions.
• Roll entire area for good sod-to-soil contact.

Watering New Sod

• 1 inch immediately after laying.
• Daily light watering to keep top 1 inch moist until rooted.
• Then ¼ inch every 3 days for 9 days.
• Then ½ inch every 5 days for 10 days.
• Then 1 inch per week for remainder of season.
• Adjust for rainfall; use good judgment based on planting time.

Fertilization Schedule

• No fertilizer for first month.
• First year: 1 lb ammonium nitrate per 1,000 sq ft in July.
• After first year: 4 lbs 15-0-15 twice yearly—after spring green-up and mid-summer.

Soil & Watering Tips

Check water penetration with a trowel. Split irrigation on clay soils; split weekly watering on sandy soils.