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Installing turf requires planning, preparation from landownersThe Cranmer family offers four simple steps to a successful turf installation on its website, www.cranmer-grass.com. Josh Cranmer explained that while grass sod is an efficient way to have a new yard quickly, customers should be prepared before buying and installing their grass. Step 1: Measuring and ordering The Cranmers advise any client to start by measuring the area of the planned lawn and create a simple sketch of the lawn to help in ordering the amount of turf they'll need. Customers should include any unusual features in the yard. Once the order is placed, clients should schedule delivery of the turf only after all the preparation work is done and they are ready to install the sod. Prompt installation on the day of delivery is key to a strong start for any lawn, according to the Cranmers. Step 2: Soil preparation The family tells their clients to rototill or spade the areas to be installed to a depth of one and a half to two inches and to prepare the soil for drainage by having it slope away from foundations. Also, any fertilizer should be applied to the ground before the sod is installed. Step 3: Turf installation A key to a successful installation is timing because turf is a living plant that needs ground contact and moisture for survival. The Cranmers advise that clients should begin installing their turf as soon as it is delivered and then begin watering the lawn within 30 minutes of installation. To install, customers should begin by installing turf along the longest straight line of their yard, such as a driveway or sidewalk. They should be sure to push ends of sod pieces together tightly, without stretching, and avoiding gaps or overlaps. "Stagger the joints in each row in a brick-like fashion, using a large sharp knife to trim corners, etc.," according to the Cranmers installation guide. "Avoid leaving small strips as outer edges as they will not retain moisture. On slopes, place the turf pieces across the slope." And, to avoid indentations or air pockets, customers shouldn't repeatedly walk or kneel on the turf while it is being installed or just after it is watered. Step 4: Watering New lawns require at least one inch of water within a half hour of installation, and they should be watered daily, according to the Cranmer installation guide. The turf should be kept moist until it is firmly rooted, or about eight days. After rooting, the turf will need less frequent and deeper watering. Areas near buildings, where reflected heat will dry the turf, will need more often watering. Once the sod is rooted, it can be mowed in 10 days. 8/18/08 Date: 8/14/08
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