How to Remove Sod

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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The top layer of grass, roots and other materials that form the visible part of a yard is called sod. Sod needs to be removed before you add a new garden, creek or other landscaping feature to prevent weeds from popping up. There is a simple process of removing sod that requires only hard work and a commitment to a beautiful home.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Sprinkler
Herbicide
Shovel
Tarp
Plastic bag or bucket for refuse

Step1

Eliminate weeds and other unwanted greens in your garden with herbicide. A general herbicide that does not discriminate between plant species is ideal if you want to destroy existing plants before you remove sod.

Step2

Spread a tarp around the area where you want to remove sod to cut down on debris. You should overlap multiple tarps to keep sod from hitting your pristine lawn.

Step3

Cut your lawn into small squares using the flat edge of your shovel. It is easy to remove sod when you break it up into small clumps by placing your shovel on its side and pushing down on the top edge with your foot.

Step4

Make sure that each square of sod is at least 3 inches deep. You should place a ruler down to the bottom of the cut to make sure you are picking up the entire layer of sod and plant roots.

Step5

Scoop your shovel underneath each sod square and dump the square on the tarp. You need to place each square upside down on the tarp if you intend to recycle sod on your property.

Step6

Pick rocks, leaves and other debris from exposed soil after you remove sod. You should keep a large plastic bag or bucket on your tarp for easy removal of unwanted debris.

Step7

Create a level surface after removing sod from your lawn with a few scoops of your shovel. You should look for large lumps and depressions in the excavated area to avoid problems during planting.

Step8

Insert sod squares into dead spots of your lawn to rejuvenate your property's overall appearance. You should remove an identical piece of sod from the dead area and ease the square into its new home with your shovel.

Tips & Warnings

Sprinkle water over the surface that needs to be cultivated to allow easy removal of sod. This step is especially important if you use a small tractor to eliminate sod from a large portion of your yard. You can place a lawn sprinkler down a week before removal to properly moisten the top layer of soil.
Preserve your hands and back by utilizing an ergonomically designed shovel. Ergonomic shovels are designed to ease pressure on your body when picking up heavy loads.