How to Sod

Check each piece of sod for pests or weeds before laying.

Laying sod is a fast way to establish a lush, green yard. Gardeners should choose the right type of grass for their region of the country. For instance, northern regions typically grow cool-season grass while southern states grow warm-season grass varieties. Inadequate soil preparation presents problems, according to the University of Rhode Island. Weeds, compacted soil and drainage issues can prevent your sod from properly establishing a root system.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide
• Tiller
• Rake
• Lime
• Fertilizer
• Masonry trowel
• Lawn roller

1. Water your lawn area for two weeks to encourage weeds and other vegetative growth. Weeds die quickly from herbicide applications when they are vigorously growing. Spray your lawn area with a herbicide that contains glysophate. Glysophate is a popular herbicide choice because it leaves little residue in the soil. Reapply the herbicide until the weeds have died or according to the directions.

2. Till the yard to break up the first 6 inches of top soil to help the sod establish its roots. Use a rake to grade the soil, so that there is a slight slope toward the road or driveway to prevent the sod from sitting in standing water.

3. Apply 50 pounds of lime to every 1,000 square feet of yard space. Water the lawn thoroughly. Spread a starter fertilizer that has an NPK amount of 1-2-1 at a rate of one pound of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet. Mist the soil with water to activate the nitrogen.

4. Water each piece of sod that you lay on the soil. Butt the edges together and stagger rows like you are laying bricks. Cut the sod with a masonry trowel for areas smaller than the sod pieces. Work from the perimeters of the lawn to the inside of the lawn area.

5. Fill a lawn roller halfway with water. Push the roller across the sod to help establish adequate sod to soil contact. Water the lawn to moisten the soil. Water the sod every two to three days with 1 inch of water for three weeks to help the roots establish.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay sod as soon as it is delivered. If you need to wait to lay your sod, place the sod in a shady location to prevent the roots from drying out.

• Avoid accepting any sod that is not 1-inch thick or is discolored.

References

• University of Rhode Island: Installing a Sod Yard
• Michigan State University: Cutting, Removing and Relaying Sod