1. Prepare the area to be sodded by breaking up and loosening the soil. Using a rake, level off the area and remove all debris. Note: To allow for the thickness of the sod, soil level should be 3/4 of an inch below curbs, walks, and drives.

2. Before installing sod, spread a complete fertilizer over the soil at the rate of application recommended by the fertilizer manufacturer for spring and fall feeding, regardless of the time of year you plant the sod. Using a rake, work the fertilizer into the soil. * A complete fertilizer contains the three important grass food elements, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (potash). Fertilizers lacking any of these elements are not complete. Read the analysis on the package before purchasing. For example: 10-10-10 and 10-6-4 are complete fertilizers.

3. Should the weather be exceptionally hot and the soil dry, it is wise to moisten the soil slightly before laying the sod.

4. When laying the sod, make sure that all edges are butted firmly together and the corners are flush. Overlapping edges will cause uneven turf and make rooting difficult.

5. Start watering IMMEDIATELY after the sod is laid. For the first 7 to 10 days, keep a close eye on your turf. Give it just enough water to keep it from drying out. After that, apply an inch of water every 7 to 10 days. To measure an inch, place a coffee can on the lawn in the path of the sprinkler. A good watering once per week is usually better for your lawn than light daily watering. Once your lawn is established it is generally better to water in the morning hours.

6. By about the 10th day, allow the sod to dry out enough to mow it. Make sure your mower is in good mechanical condition and that the blade is sharp. Set your mower on the highest setting and mow the lawn very carefully. The frequency in which you will have to mow your lawn depends on weather conditions. The following advice may be helpful: Mow the lawn before the clippings are longer than one inch. In the spring and fall, mowing may have to be done twice a week due to rapid growth. Mowing heights should be 2 to 2 1/2 inches in spring and fall and 2 1/2 to 3 inches during the summer months.

7. Vigorously core cultivate the sod as soon as it has knitted to the soil. Core cultivation will remove cores of sod and soil and deposit them on the surface. Core cultivation should be done in the spring and fall every year.

8. Following initial fertilization, wait six weeks and fertilize again with a complete fertilizer. Repeat every six weeks for the remainder of the growing season. Next year, begin the cycle in late May or early June.

9. Weed and crabgrass control chemicals should not be used in the first year. The use of weed and crabgrass control chemicals should only be considered in extreme situations and then only as a spot treatment. Before applying any chemicals, read and follow all label instructions.

10. Should you have any questions regarding the care of your lawn, it would be best to contact American Sod Corporation.