How to Lay Sod

Laying sod is a heavy task. Most pallets of sod weigh at least 2000 pounds. Sod should be laid so that the shorter end lines don't match up. In you're confused, just remember to lay it down to minimize straight gap lines.

Soil Preparation

The secret to a good sod project is the prepping of the soil. Good topsoil will yield much better results. Use a dark black topsoil with organic material.

Fertilizer

You can boy sod starter fertilizer at your local hardware store. After putting down the topsoil, then put down the fertilizer. The fertilizer will be under the sod roots.

Watering

Many new sod owners make the mistake of not watering their sod enough. As a general rule, new sod should be watered 60 minutes a day for 30 days. There are many factors that affect the calculation. You must take into account the volume of water that the sprinkler system puts out, high or low temperatures, quality of sod, type of sod, and type of dirt. You should water enough that the ground stays totally wet, but not wet enough that the ground will settle. You sod will sink down if you get the ground too water logged. To check the dirt, use a screwdriver. The screwdriver should go into the soil fairly easily and the dirt should be moist all the way in.

Watering is the single largest factor. Some people do get away without following the water procedures, but most who do end up in failure. Many people think it's not worth the water bill. Then , when the sod dies, they regret it.

Cutting

If you can find one, use a sod knife available at sod suppliers. If you can't find one, the next best tool is a linoleum cutter. It looks just like a sod cutter only it's a little larger and sharper. If you can't find a linoleum cutter, use a regular utility knife. Some people even use their butcher knives. It works, if you don't mind rough usage of your kitchen supplies.

Cut the sod from the back. It's a lot easier. The back side is the side that isn't green.

Rolling

If, after your sod comes in, the ground is a little bumpy, you can get a rolling machine from the local rental center and roll the ground. This will push the bumps back down into the grass. A rolling machine is a large metal cyclinder that is supported by two wheels and rolls. Some are motorized and some can be pulled with a four wheeler. Some of them get their weight by adding water to the cylinder.

Placement

Ideally, you would have a Bobcat with pallet forks to move the sod pallets around. If you are reading this, you probably don't have one. In that case, your best bet is to be there when the sod truck arrives. Guide the donkey or piggyback operator to the exact location where you want the sod. Calculate the exact spots. It will take you a lot of work, later on, if they are misplaced.