How to Install Sod in the Yard

Sod ready to plant

Sod is a pre-grown, semi-mature grass that is used to repair damaged lawns or install a new lawn all at once. Sod is usually one to 2 inches of soil and two to three inches of grass that is held together by the root system of the grass. Sod is sold in sheets and is installed directly over prepared soil. Some of the sod may die as the sod tries to transition to its new living environment. Sod shouldn't be walked on for two to three weeks after installation.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Shovel
• Starter fertilizer
• Sod
• Garden knife
• Plywood kneel sheet
• Hose
• Caution tape

Instructions

1. Remove all weeds and plants from the area that will receive the sod using a shovel. You will want to loosen the top inch or two of soil and to mix in a good starter fertilizer high in phosphorous. The top of your prepared soil should be one to two inches below your desired finished soil height.

2. Purchase your sod within a few hours of installation for best results. Sod dries out quickly and should be delivered on a pallet that can be positioned in a shady location to help the sod survive as long as possible.

3. Install your sod along your hardscape first and move toward the fences. Unroll the sod and place the longest straight edge against the driveway, sidewalk or patio. Tuck the edges against the hardscape and bring the sod in good contact with the soil. Sometimes the ground is uneven so use your rake and your hands to remove any air pockets.

4. Press the short edges of one section of sod firmly against the short edges of the next section. Work along your hardscape until your first row is complete. Start your second row so that your next sod piece centers against the seams of the first row. This is a common running brick pattern so that no seams align. Cut any sod using a garden knife.

5. Place a small plywood knee sheet if you must kneel over fresh sod to place more sod. The plywood will displace your weight and prevent creating big dents in the fresh soil and sod. String caution tape along the edges of the lawn to warn people, children and others to stay off it while the sod is growing.

6. Water your sod to a depth of six to eight inches. The sod should be kept moist but not sodden. Try not to walk on the sod for three weeks after installation. Check on the progress of root growth by lifting the edge of the sod to see when the roots are taking hold of your prepared soil base.

Tips & Warnings

• Mow your lawn at a taller height for a few months to allow the grass to mature and thicken. Cutting your lawn too short may cause portions to die off from burning.

References

• Blades Lawn Care: Install Sod