How to Lay Sod

Before Sodding

  1. Turn the Soil

    Turn the soil by rototilling before installing sod

    This can be done by spading, plowing or rototilling to a depth of about four inches. All foreign material and trash should be removed.

  2. Grading

    Grade the soil before laying the sodGrade the soil with a rake before laying the sod

    This can be done either by light power equipment or a hand rake. It is best to fill in low areas and to have a gradual contour. Avoid sharp angles or curves to prevent scalping when mowing. Grade should be about 1 inch below the sidewalks to allow for the thickness of sod.

    3. Sod Installation

  3. Installing

    Sod must be laid immediately

    Sod must be laid immediately. Start at your property line or along the driveway or sidewalk. Roll it out like a rug; stagger the joints like rows of bricks; make sure joints are butted together without overlapping.

  4. Rolling

    Before watering, use a light roller to insure good contact for the roots and soil

    Before watering, roll with a light roller to make sure roots have good contact with soil. Never roll after watering.

  5. Watering

    Water your sod so that it penetrates about 6 inches

    Water sod thoroughly with a penetration of about six inches. If weather is extremely hot, start watering as soon as a small area is layed and rolled. Sod must be kept watered until fully rooted. DO NOT LET IT DRY OUT. Check occasionally by lifting up a corner; if it shows signs of drying out, water immediately. After sod has knitted to subsoil, normal watering is recommended.