Of all the reasons for solid sodding a new lawn, some of the best ones are those everyone can appreciate. The National Gardening Association conducts an annual survey, and when consumers who had purchased sod were asked about buying sod, the reasons they gave were:

• Provides complete and uniform coverage.
• Can be walked on in two-three weeks.
• Installed almost year-round.
• Instantly beautiful and mature.
• No problem with runoff or soil erosion.
• Costs more than grass seed but is a better value.
• Lower water requirements.
• Minimal, if any, weed control.
• Highest quality, certified plant stock.

The top four items all relate to 'immediacy' or 'beauty' and, based on the number of responses these received from consumers, that's what people are looking for when they decide to purchase turfgrass sod. The trade slogan is 'Life is short -- sod it,' and most will agree that we live in a fast-food and millisecond world. Some of the other items relate to functional issues that may be important to turfgrass and sod producers, but clearly they are not important purcha

Lay sod in brick-wall pattern.

se-making factors for most consumers.

When laying sod, remember that you still need a good, fertile (at least adequate phosphorous) seedbed to start with. Till the moist soil an inch or 2 deep and lay the sod solidly. Alternate the ends and middles of sod pieces when laying in a ‘brick-wall’ pattern. Be sure all edges and sides touch neighboring pieces to limit drying edge loss. Roll the sod after laying to press out air pockets and help level the surface. Regularly moisten the sod as needed, decreasing the amount of irrigation each week for three weeks when it should be established. After establishment, irrigate as needed for the conditions.

Mow regularly as needed at the recommended turf height for that cultivar. Remow whenever the turf grows back 50% from the selected cutting height. After a month, apply turf fertilizer as required by the turf cultivar and the part of the growing season you are in.