- 1). Mark off a rectangular area that encompasses the dead patch that you want to repair.
- 2). Loosen the soil with a tiller or spade, removing any roots, rocks or other debris that you find. Remove soil equivalent to the thickness of the sod you're laying down.
- 3). Mix in compost and a 1/2 lb. of 10-30-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet to encourage rapid, strong root development.
- 4). Compute the area you need to fill in, once you have finished marking off and preparing all spots in need of repair. Garden centers sell sod by the square yard, so if you measured the area in square feet, divide by three.
- 5). Water the area thoroughly before installing the sod.
- 6). Begin on the longest side of the area you prepared. Lay the first piece of sod flush against this side. Continue adding pieces of sod, pressing them against the sides of the other pieces and the sides of the prepared area. You shouldn't stretch or overlap the pieces.
- 7). Cut pieces to fit by turning the sod upside down and using a sharp knife or razorblade to cut it from the bottom. Use a straightedge or a board to ensure a straight cut.
- 8). Fill in any gaps with soil.
- 9). Lay a board across the new sod and walk across it a few times to press the sod into place.
- 10
Water the sod after installation and daily for the first week until the soil beneath becomes wet. Gradually begin watering less, beginning in the second week. - 11
Mow the sod once it has taken root, moving the mower diagonally across the seams to avoid snagging and uprooting the sod.
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