How to Install Fescue Sod: Complete Installation Guide

Laying fescue sod delivers an instant lawn, but long-term success depends on thorough soil preparation and careful post-installation watering. Follow these steps for a professional-quality result.

Site Preparation

1. Kill existing vegetation: Spray a non-selective herbicide two weeks before planting.
2. Till deeply: Rototill to 6 inches, incorporating lime and fertilizer per soil test recommendations (call 1-800-ASKUGA-1). Without a test, work in 50 lbs lime and 20 lbs 5-10-15 fertilizer per 1,000 sq ft, plus a 1-inch layer of compost.
3. Grade and smooth: Rake out rocks, clods, and debris.
4. Roll to reveal low spots: Use a water-filled roller, then fill depressions with soil.
5. Pre-wet the soil: Apply ¼–½ inch of water the night before laying sod. The soil should be damp, not soggy.

Laying the Sod

• Start along the longest straight edge; butt pieces tightly end-to-end.
• Stagger seams in a brick-like pattern.
• Trim around obstacles with a sharp hatchet or shovel.
• Roll the entire area again to ensure root-to-soil contact.
• Water thoroughly immediately (see schedule below).

Watering New Sod

• Day 1: 1 inch immediately after installation.
• Daily: Keep the top 1 inch of soil moist until roots knit into the soil.
• Days 10–18: ¼ inch every third day (nine days).
• Days 19–28: ½ inch every fifth day (ten days).
• Thereafter: 1 inch per week for the growing season. Adjust for rainfall.

Use good judgment: Amounts vary by season. Check soil moisture with a trowel. On heavy clay, split irrigation into two sessions an hour apart if runoff occurs. On sandy soil, split the weekly inch into two ½-inch applications three days apart.

General Watering Advice

Water in the morning before noon to reduce disease. Measure sprinkler output with six weighted cups. Check georgiadrought.com for local restrictions.