Laying Sod
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: March 3, 2011
Materials needed:
- Sod (Measure your area for square footage before ordering your
sod. If sod is going to sit for more than 36 hours, be sure to keep it moist and out of the sun.)
- Starter fertilizer
Tools needed:
- Rake
- Tiller
- Lawn spreader
- Hose and sprinklers
- Sod roller (can be rented)
- Old knife or linoleum knife
Steps to laying sod
1) Prepare your area. To prepare the area, till the soil and remove any rocks or debris. You may want to get a soil test, to determine whether or not you need to raise or lower the pH. To take a soil sample, dig a 6 to 8 inch hole in the bed. Using a spade, shave a thin layer of soil all the way down. Put the soil in plastic container and send it to your state extension service. Extension services are usually located at state universities. For a small fee, the extension service will let you know what you need to add to your soil. Be sure to let them know you are planting a lawn.
2) Apply a starter fertilizer. Using your lawn spreader, apply a good starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers will have high second and third numbers. Check your local garden center for available brands.
3) Begin laying sod. Once your soil is prepared, begin laying sod. It’s a good idea to start on a straight edge, like a driveway. It is very important to get the pieces as close as possible to one another, without overlapping them.
Lay the sod in a “brick wall” pattern. This will prevent long seams in the sod and help prevent erosion. Use an old knife or a linoleum knife to cut around obstacles (trees, electrical boxes, fire hydrants, etc.).
4) Roll the sod. Using a sod roller (be sure to fill it with water), smooth the surface. Rolling will knit the sod to the soil.
5) Water the sod. Sod should initially be watered frequently and lightly (2-3 times a day for 10-14 days). The goal is to get the sod and one inch of soil penetrated. After the 10-14 days, the sod should be watered deeper and less frequently.
- Sod (Measure your area for square footage before ordering your
sod. If sod is going to sit for more than 36 hours, be sure to keep it moist and out of the sun.)
- Starter fertilizer
Tools needed:
- Rake
- Tiller
- Lawn spreader
- Hose and sprinklers
- Sod roller (can be rented)
- Old knife or linoleum knife
Steps to laying sod
1) Prepare your area. To prepare the area, till the soil and remove any rocks or debris. You may want to get a soil test, to determine whether or not you need to raise or lower the pH. To take a soil sample, dig a 6 to 8 inch hole in the bed. Using a spade, shave a thin layer of soil all the way down. Put the soil in plastic container and send it to your state extension service. Extension services are usually located at state universities. For a small fee, the extension service will let you know what you need to add to your soil. Be sure to let them know you are planting a lawn.
2) Apply a starter fertilizer. Using your lawn spreader, apply a good starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers will have high second and third numbers. Check your local garden center for available brands.
3) Begin laying sod. Once your soil is prepared, begin laying sod. It’s a good idea to start on a straight edge, like a driveway. It is very important to get the pieces as close as possible to one another, without overlapping them.
Lay the sod in a “brick wall” pattern. This will prevent long seams in the sod and help prevent erosion. Use an old knife or a linoleum knife to cut around obstacles (trees, electrical boxes, fire hydrants, etc.).
4) Roll the sod. Using a sod roller (be sure to fill it with water), smooth the surface. Rolling will knit the sod to the soil.
5) Water the sod. Sod should initially be watered frequently and lightly (2-3 times a day for 10-14 days). The goal is to get the sod and one inch of soil penetrated. After the 10-14 days, the sod should be watered deeper and less frequently.
