How to Lay Sod

Items Needed:

• Measuring Tape
• Paper & Pen
• Rake
• Top Soil
• Sod
• Water
• Gloves
• Wheelbarrow

Before you can order sod you need to know how much you need. Measure the area you are going to cover and make a sketch of your dimensions on paper.

Sod is typically sold in square yards, so you will need to convert your measurements (length in feet x width in feet) then divide by nine. An example: 20ft x 30 ft area = 600 sq ft. 600 sq ft divided by 9 = 66.66 square yards. Be sure you always round up. Its better to have a little too much then not enough. So in this case you'd need to order 70 square yards of sod.

Before the sod arrives you need to have your lot/area prepped. Grade the area by raking the soil so it slopes away from your home/building (this will help drainage problems.) Remove rocks, sticks, grass patches, and roots. A suggestion would be renting a rototiller and tilling 4" to 6" deep. Check the area when finished for any low spots by heavily watering and watching for puddles to form. Fill these in with top soil or try re-grading to fix these problem areas.

When the sod arrives, install it immediately after delivery. Start from the longest line. Be sure to push each piece of sod into the next tightly and "butt-up" the ends. Avoid any over laps, gaps, or holes. The sod will shrink when it dries, so if your pieces aren't tight then your area will looked patchy with visible lines and missing grass. If you are installing sod on a slope, lay the sod across the slope. When finished, you can roll the entire area with a roller for sod. This will ensure good contact and give the appearance a professional installation.

Water, water, and water more! Start watering the sod within 30 minutes of installation. You'll want to water daily, keeping the sod moist until it has taken root. Water more if needed. You'll do this for about two weeks. Check random pieces to be sure your water is enough to wet the soil below the sod. If you are lucky, weather conditions may help the frequency of how often you need to water. If you are in hot, dry or windy climates, be sure your sod has enough moisture to survive.

When you notice its time to mow, you'll know your sod has rooted successfully. Mow with caution. It's important not to delay the first mowing, and cut it high the first time, but increasingly mow closer to 1 1/2 inches high.

• You may want to keep a pair of trimmers or large scissors to cut corners or angles to pieces of sod that are too long to make a perfect fit.
• Use a wheelbarrow to carry strips of sod around the yard instead of moving them one piece at at time.
• Wear gardening gloves to protect your skin.
• Don't overload yourself; find friends or family who can help you.