Horticulture 211

Home Page - Steps To Lay Sod - Do's and Don'ts - References

SEVEN EASY STEPS ON HOW TO LAY SOD

1. RID YOUR SITE OF UNWANTED DEBRIS.

Never lay sod on existing weeds or rocks larger than 1 ½ inches. Getting rid of weeds, stones and twigs will not only help to eliminate lumps but will also promote a faster rooting process. Any debris needs to be removed or tilled into soil.  

2. PREPARE YOUR SOIL

Never lay sod on compacted soil. Rototill or rake at least one inch of organic matter, such as peat moss into existing soil. If you have sandy or clay soil, you may need to incorporate more organic matter and black dirt.  Also, it is a good to apply a starter fertilizer to speed up the time it takes for the sod to root into existing soil. Most local nurseries will be able to provide you with these supplies and help you calculate the amount of each that is necessary.

3. LEVEL OR GRADE PROPOSED SITE

Always level existing site before attempting to lay sod. Most sod is cut with about an inch of peat/dirt attached to the bottom of each roll. It is important to add or remove soil to level the areas that border sidewalks, patios or existing gardens.

4. CALCULATE AND PURCHASE SOD NEEDED FOR YOUR SQUARE FOOTAGE

Next calculate the amount of sod needed to cover your square footage. Most sod is cut and sold in pre-cut rolls measuring approximately 1 to 2 feet by 4 to 10 feet long. Depending on the size, each roll costs around $3.00 to $6.00. Again, your local nursery can help you figure how many rolls you will need.  Sod must be laid within 24 hours of being cut so use caution when calculating, purchasing, and timing when the sod will be unrolled.

5. LAY THE SOD

It is helpful to lay the first roll along the “straightest” edge. This is necessary because it will help to eliminate wasted rolls and prevent the rolls from drying out along exposed edges.  Once you have your starting edge, it is important that you lay the sod in a staggering pattern (like you would lay bricks). This eliminates unnecessary seams which will tend to dry out easily. Make sure all ends are butted tightly together and there are no gaps.  On slopes be sure to lay the rolls perpendicular to any slopes (this prevents slippage after you water).
***NOTE: When you need to cut rolls to size or align with a curve, flip sod green side down. The sod rolls will cut much easier this way.

6. RE-GRADE/ RE-LEVEL

Make sure the surface is level with no bumps or hollow spots. Now is your chance to fix any loose seams or lumpy, uneven patches. Simply lift strips and add/remove  black dirt to correct or level mistakes.

7. WATER YOUR SOD

Never let sod dry out. It is imperative that you water the sod IMMEDIATELY after it is laid!!!  Depending on the weather in your region, freshly laid sod should be watered once a day for two weeks to a month after that. Sod MUST remain moist or seams will start to “crack”. If possible an installed sprinkler system works great, but hose-end sprinklers will also get the job done. This is by far the most important step. All of you hard work will be wasted is allowed to dry out even once. 

*If you follow these steps, laying sod will not only be easy but will create an “instant” beautiful yard. If you have any additional questions, call your local nursery. They will be happy to answer any and all of your questions.