Level the soil about one inch below hard surfaces like patios, sidewalks, and driveways to ensure the sod sits evenly with these surfaces once installed. To streamline the process, ask the delivery driver to place the pallets of sod across the yard, roughly where each pallet will cover, reducing the time and effort spent carrying each piece. If your lawn has a slope, start installing the sod at the bottom and work your way up to ensure seams and joints remain tightly connected. For steep slopes, lay the sod pieces perpendicular to the slope to help with stability. To ensure proper watering, lift a corner of any sod piece and insert a screwdriver or other sharp probe into the soil. If the probe is difficult to push in or the soil feels dry, continue watering until it’s properly moist. These simple steps will help ensure a smoother, more efficient installation and a healthier, more durable lawn.