Do-It-Yourself Sod Installation

The Wrong Way to Lay Sod

If sod is pushed together too tightly, edges may not knit to the ground. If too much space is left between sod pieces, weeds will come through from the soil beneath.

Starting: Locate a straight line, such as a curb or driveway, or run a taut string up the middle of the area to be sodded. Work along the line to establish the first row.

Laying the Sod: Lay the sod in brickwork fashion, smoothing the soil in advance of sod laying. Make sure the joints are butted together snugly without overlapping. If laying sod on slopes, lay the slabs perpendicular to the direction of the slope. Use sod staples to secure the sod on steep slopes if necessary.

Shaping: Use a sharp knife or spade for shaping the non-rectangular edges and small areas such as flower bed, hedges, etc.

Rolling: Roll the installed sod with a roller one-third filled with water. This will smooth out small bumps and assure good contact with the soil. Avoid a heavy roller that will compact the site.

Watering: Completely saturate the sodded area when finished. Be sure to soak the entire sod area at the end of each day’s work.