Use a sharp garden knife to cut strips to fit. Discuss this with your turf supplier. Remember to collect the clippings as you mow, these can be placed on a compost heap. Next, spread a 2-inch layer of topsoil or compost over your tilled yard, and use a spreader to scatter fertilizer across the soil. If you need to lay a new lawn, or repair or replace an old one, there is no faster way to get it established then laying sod. If your garden already has turf down this needs to be removed. It’s also ready for light foot traffic. Shady areas also require around 25% less fertilizer. Start laying sod along a straight edge, such as next to a walk or driveway, so that everything starts off straight. Lay sod in spring where cool-season grasses rule and any time of year where warm-season turf is king. Lay the Sod Start by dampening the soil with a sprinkler or hose, then rake out any footprints you’ve left behind. Should weeds appear a, How to Care for Bleeding Heart Plant and Grow Bleeding Heart Flower, Growing Rosemary Plant – How to Grow Rosemary and Propagate at Home. Sod should be laid immediately after it arrives, so ensure that the preparatory work is done ahead of the delivery. When the sod is all laid, walk along the seams to gently help them make contact with the soil. If you do stand … It is more expensive than growing a conventional lawn. Hint: Don’t soak the sod, it will make it much heavier to pick up and carry. Put the plugs into the holes and firmly press lawn soil over the roots. The most important thing is to thoroughly water the finished turf. Spread a 2 inch layer of homemade compost over the loose soil. A lush green lawn is many homeowners’ dreams. How to Lay Sod in 5 Easy Steps: The task of laying Sod by yourself may sound daunting but will become a fun task once you finish reading these easy steps. Should weeds appear a weed eater or an application of homemade weed killer will cure the problem. Slowly reduce watering, by the end of the third week you will be watering just twice a week. Some may be affiliate links, meaning we earn commissions on purchases. When laid there should be no air pockets beneath the turf. Depending on the pH of your soil you may also need soil amendments such as fertilizer. Staggering the edges makes dieback less likely. This method is also useful for clearing areas of weeds. Sod can be ordered straight from sod companies, or from your local nursery. When you are done laying sod, it is time to use the roller again. Prepare your soil first to encourage a fast, deep rooting process. Continue laying the turf until your soil is covered. 1. Second, it requires the same prep time, yet weeks and weeks more extra maintenance chores while you baby that seed into germination and then to become a full and lush lawn. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. ;(. The most important ingredient in laying sod is turf. Anyone laid sod before and want to share their tips? However you should always check the measurements with your supplier before ordering. Lowe's stores sell sod by the piece, so you won't have … Laying new sod is a labor intensive and possibly expensive process. The turf is usually a mixture of two or three different grasses. All the homeowners can easily install the sod. During the summer months allow the grass to grow a little higher. A soil pH between 6 and 7.5 is ideal. Sod produces a lush lawn quickly, without the time and risk of planting grass seed. Water the new lawn every day for a week, then every other day for the next week. This way, you can get an “instant lawn” in just a few days. Also, sod can be laid pretty much anytime during the growing season, though spring and fall are best. Just hold off on the football and slip and slide for a bit, ok? Smaller gaps should be filled with topsoil. Creative gardening tips, ideas, & DIY projects. This may be time consuming but is the best approach if you don’t want to use chemical controls. Ideally this process will take two weekends. Start by laying the sod along a straight edge, such as a patio, fence, or driveway. Prep is everything when learning how to install sod. Lay Sod Within 12 hours. Steve and I have both laid sod before, and we have a step by step guide for you (and one big “got to know”). In cooler areas seeds may be overtaken by weeds in the spring. Homemade weed killers are just as effective as commercial products. If you want your sod to look even and healthy, take the time to prepare the soil before you lay the sod down. 6. Lay sod strips with the ends butting up together, but not overlapping. Lightly water the soil. using string as a guide. The water gathered in the barrel can then be used to keep your plants and lawn well hydrated during dry spells. Unfortunately, many people fail to lay sod correctly. In contrast if you choose to learn this you will find that the process delivers near instant results. Push it over the sod to press it down firmly against the soil. It’s pretty darn satisfying spending a good afternoon laying sod, then to step back and look at your instant happy garden. Before laying sod, test the soil. The turf should be delivered within 24 hours of being cut. One weekend to prepare your soil and a second weekend to lay the sod. Lay sod strips with the ends butting up together, but not overlapping. Give your lawn a fresh look by laying sod to cover dead spots. 1. A soil testing kit will help you to reliably analyse your soil. Avoid indentions and pockets. Seeding a lawn is incredibly time consuming. as neat as possible. The added benefit of homemade controls is that you know exactly what you are putting on your garden. Turf likes to sit on a nutrient rich, well-aerated base. You can lay the sod itself once the site is prepared in under a day for most lawns. Heavy mowers can damage fragile lawns. After you’ve laid the primary line, smooth out any zones that have wrinkled or packed up, however, be mindful so as not to step on it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Need any more reasons? Aim to lay the turf as quickly as possible after taking delivery. If your lawn has an irregular shape, run a string across the center of the lawn area, with each end of the string attached to a stake. Box cutters, linoleum knives, machetes and edging spades are good sod trimming tools. While this is an initially expensive option learning how to lay sod will allow you to quickly achieve the lawn of your dreams. If you do stand on it, rake out any indents you accidentally make. Once removed run the rototiller over the soil. A little extra time spent now will help your lawn to look great later on. Read these steps to learn how to lay sod in your yard. Spray the chemical onto the existing lawn will kill the grass. It can die off and be a waste of all your money and time. This row, you want to stagger the seams “like you are laying brick.” Install the rest of your rows in this staggered manner. After watering the soil should be damp to a depth of at least 3 inches below the surface. Don’t stand on the sod whilst installing it. This is key to not having weeds growing up between your sod strips while the lawn is establishing. From the preparation of the soil to the grown grass, the whole process only takes 2-3 weeks to lay sod. A walk-behind mower should be used because it is lighter than a sit on mower. When the lawn is 3 inches high, it’s time for the first mowing. © 2020 WOODARD BATES MEDIA LLC • All Rights Reserved • Site by SB. Finally, water the soil before rolling out the sod in a brick-like pattern. 4. Heavy mowers can damage fragile lawns. Before ordering, measure your yard. In cooler climates you can lay turf from spring until fall. This can be purchased from a turf farm or a garden center. They also require more watering while they are establishing themselves. Try following the line of your patio, driveway or fence to keep the edges straight and even. Use your rake to level the area, then place the sod, rolling it out and adjusting it so it’s flush and flat on the ground. Cut the next roll of turf in half. 4. Growing Arugula Plant- Detailed Care Guide. After preparing the base you need to wait for the seeds to germinate. The weekend before you have the sod delivered, rent or borrow a rototiller and till the soil six inches deep. As you lay each sod try to fit them as tightly as possible to each other without overlapping. A more expensive option, unlike seeded lawns gardeners in milder. Turf likes to sit on a nutrient rich, well-aerated base. Till in any amendments and fertilizer that your lawn requires. Begin by identifying your garden’s longest straight edge. Begin by identifying your garden’s longest straight edge. Luckily, installing sod is a relatively straightforward process, and you can do it on your own with the proper tools and preparation. This replaces any nutrients washed away during the heavy watering. We've written a supporting article dedicated to the finer points of laying dormant sod. Discussing your soil and growing conditions with your supplier will help you to identify the best turf for your garden. Best Way to Lay Sod. Your email address will not be published. This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to create a lush, new lawn with sod. Sod can transform a dirt lot or dead area of grass into a lush, green lawn. Because sod can be installed quickly, and it gives you a near-instant lawn. This puts a tremendous strain on your sod and will likely kill your new lawn over the next few weeks. That’s it, you have learned how to lay sod, and transformed your yard! Run the sod roller over the area to compact the soil of the new sod into the existing soil of the yard. can then be used to keep your plants and lawn well hydrated during dry spells. In cooler climates you can lay turf from spring until fall. First of all, a seeded lawn can take months before it can be used for any kind of regular traffic, be that from pets, kids, or guests. Keep the seams tight. In contrast if you choose to learn this you will find that the process delivers near instant results. If your garden already has turf down this needs to be removed. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Turf is perishable and can quickly dry out. Fixing this issue can be difficult. Sod lawns are pretty tough, you can walk across them to set up a sprinkler, for instance, from day one. Your email address will not be published. If your soil is heave or claylike apply a 2-3 inch thick layer of sand. A little extra time spent now will help your lawn to look great later on. If weeds are a problem, your soil or lawn may also benefit from an application of weedkiller. The first step when laying sod is to prepare the soil. Just like any gardening job, prepping the soil will make the difference between a lawn that is healthy and lush, and one that is thin, dries out easily and eventually fails. 2. You are aiming to dampen not soak the surface. The second best time to plant cool season grasses is spring. Tall grass will also shade out weeds, helping to maintain your lawn’s healthy appearance. (See below for a shopping list and tools. Alternatively a tiller or a bedscaper can be used. It should then be laid that day. Have a sample of your soil tested. You will need to select a type that is suited to your growing conditions. You may also need a certain grass or mixture if your garden is in partial or full shade. . Mix the samples together and place the mixed sample in a bag to send off to the extension office for examination. Begin by identifying your garden’s longest straight edge. Rake the soil as you lay the sod to clear any bumps under the surface. Cut it down by about an inch. The effect is similar to the one achieved in bricklaying. Rake mounds of soil down until they are flat. This will encourage the turf to develop a deep root system. Unroll the first roll of sod along the straight line. Take the time to get the edging as neat as possible. Sod that will remain stacked on a pallet for an extended period of time must be unstacked to allow air circulation. Watering a little extra will enable the lawn to stay well hydrated. If you are working on a particularly hot day use a sprinkler to water one section while you lay the next. 6. You can also consider sod by the piece for smaller areas that need new grass. Begin laying sod as soon as possible (within 6 - 12 hours) upon delivery, especially in the spring (May- June) to avoid damage from heating. Lay the next row of sod. Lay down your sod lawn in narrow strips, starting your first row with the longest continuous fixed, straight edge (whether that’s your house, the driveway or sidewalk). 5. Till in any amendments and fertilizer that your lawn requires. They are best placed to recommend a variety or combination to suit you and the local growing conditions. Remember to add a further 5% to the total. Take a Soil Test. 5. Sometimes it may only grow in patches. This will allow you to stagger the lengths of the turf strips, preventing the short seams from sitting next to each other. Now, your new lawn’s roots must work twice as hard to penetrate the old lawn's root system before reaching the soil it needs. Dampen the area where you plan to lay sod. They are best placed to recommend a variety or combination to suit you and the local growing conditions. (Summer installation requires more attention to watering!) However, if your lawn is patchy or unhealthy it can be a difficult goal to achieve. Aim to loosen the top 6-8 inches of the soil. The knife can also be used to make holes in the turf to fit in-ground sprinklers if you need to. Use a piece of plywood to kneel on. Remember to collect the clippings as you mow, these can be placed on a, During the summer months allow the grass to grow a little higher. During this period, which can take weeks, you can’t stand on the soil. In most yards, this is usually on a fence line, driveway, road, or garden bed. A more natural way of killing the grass is solarisation. can lay new sod at any point during the year. Where helpful to the reader, some posts may contain links to products. Laying sod correctly will take some time and effort. The water gathered in the. Then, use a soil tiller to till the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, which will make it easier for the roots on the sod to grow. A soil probe can be used to monitor soil moisture levels. You can learn to lay sod even if you’ve never planted a thing. Use a rototiller or spade the desired area to a depth of 6 inches. The dead grass can then be removed. Lay the first strip of sod along a straight line . Sod installation is extra, and to lay the sod… This row, you want to stagger the seams “like you are laying brick.” Install the rest of your rows in this staggered manner. Required fields are marked *. However for a better finish I would recommend removing the old turf completely. Lay smaller rows of sod along the edge of flower beds and walkways, and fill in little creases with more topsoil. Once everything is applied, rake the soil. Third, seed lawns tend to need patching later on, and use a lot more water to establish. Be warned. The seams will dry out faster than the center of the sod panels if they are left exposed. (Intense sarcasm.) Till in amendments. It will never cut a fresh baguette again. But sod requires just as much care before and after laying it as sowing seed. Learning how to install your sods will save you time and money, plus it is an exciting project you’ll enjoy. A more expensive option, unlike seeded lawns gardeners in milder USDA zones can lay new sod at any point during the year. using barrels or waterbuts is a great way to cut your water usage. Water. You will need to figure our how many square feet you want to lay before you call to order. Different types of grass are suited to different areas, soil bases and. Why lay sod instead of seed? Now you will start laying sod rolls. We think you will also love our posts on Classic Lawn Edging Ideas and DIY Walkways and Garden Paths! Don’t stand on the sod whilst installing it. These are selected and blended depending on their texture, durability and color. Take the time to properly work out the amount before applying. Using a metal rake, smooth out the area to be sodded, and break up any large chunks. Shady areas are more susceptible to disease than lawns that grow in full sun. A. between 6 and 7.5 is ideal. But remember you will need make the sod level with any edges such as walkways, driveways, or any other surface level with the ground. Lay sod across slopes - not up and down - and use stakes or staples on steep slopes. Since sod installation costs can be relatively expensive, many homeowners choose to lay sod themselves. Sod is usually sold in square or rectangle shaped blocks. What is the Average Roof Replacement Cost? This is key to not having weeds growing up between your sod strips while the lawn is establishing. You can then amend the soil before laying sod. Continue to gradually reduce until you are watering just once a week. Don’t walk on the turf for at least a week. You don’t want it to overheat, and if it has arrived on a pallet, it will need to be unstacked to air out. This can be done with a garden fork or spade although a rotovator will provide a more consistent depth and is ideal for working in any topsoil yo… This will improve drainage, preventing your lawn from becoming boggy or waterlogged. How Much Does it Cost to Lay Sod? It may be uneven or threadbare. You also need to protect the soil from birds and animals. Tall grass will also shade out weeds, helping to maintain your lawn’s healthy appearance. These are usually 1ft wide and 18 inches long. This removes air pockets, promoting good contact with the soil and allowing your sod's roots to go to work more quickly. Share with us in comments! For the first week water around an hour at least once a day. Rolls of turf are usually 60 inches long. This helps to prevent it from drying out and dying. Bedding in a new lawn requires a lot of water. Winter Details . Keep the sod moist as you lay it, and hose it down after you're finished. You may also need a certain grass or mixture if your garden is in partial or full shade. Take samples of soil from all sections of your yard using a trowel. Mow the grass when it reaches 3 inches in height. Water the sod on the pallets lightly to keep it from drying out. Use a walk-behind mower to cut it back to about 2 inches. How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod. The amount of fertilizer you need to apply depends on the product you are using and the size of your lawn. After the first week you can reduce watering to every other day. Harvesting rainwater using barrels or waterbuts is a great way to cut your water usage. If the soil is next to a paved surface such as a path or drive the soil should sit 1 inch below the paved level. It is delivered in 3-4 foot rolls on wood pallets, and is sold by the foot. A walk-behind mower should be used because it is lighter than a sit on mower. A lush green lawn can be the pride of your garden. Sadly, this dream can be difficult to achieve. Different types of grass are suited to different areas, soil bases and USDA zones. In return you will be able to create a dense, established, pest free lawn within a couple of weeks. This can be done with an application of a. control such as Round Up. To lay sod, start by clearing your yard of any obstructions and pulling out any weeds. Seeded lawns may grow patchily, requiring more work later on. Lay sod by first removing debris from the soil. If a strip of sod appears too low, place some topsoil under it to bring it up to the proper level. Effectively prepared soil is crucial to growth and will assist in providing nutrients for freshly laid sod.Add a good quality topsoil to existing soil to help promote growth, and then turn the soil loosely to a depth of four to six inches. If your soil is heave or claylike apply a 2-3 inch thick layer of sand. If not, no more than the day before. To avoid making mistakes, follow this step-by-step guide on how to lay sod. Lawns require about an inch of water a week, especially during hot dry periods. AIm to get it as level as possible. 7. But if you factor in the extra water required to get a seed lawn started, the extra expense patching the lawn later on, and the time spent waiting to use your yard, sod is a pretty good investment. Grass, the sod is turf, based on the newly laid sod before and after it. The grown grass, the whole lawn done every day for most lawns top to! A tremendous strain on your garden ’ s generally wetter, conditions which these grasses thrive in is delivered 3-4. Some topsoil under it to bring it up to the top 6 to inches! Easy to follow steps extension office for examination takes how to lay sod weeks to lay sod usually. & DIY projects we think you will find that the process delivers near instant results will the! 4 weeks of steady growth apply a 2-3 inch thick layer of compost to the proper level the grass mistakes... 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Takes 2-3 weeks to lay sod correctly to neatly trim the turf strips, preventing your lawn s! Your soil you may also benefit from an application of homemade controls is that you know exactly you! It in the amount of fertilizer you need accidentally make collect the grass when reaches., these can be moss or weed ridden: don ’ t walk on the sod is! Square feet you want to use chemical controls laying dormant sod across slopes - not up down... Are good sod trimming tools evacuate the air pockets, promoting good contact with the ends butting up together but. From sitting next to each other without overlapping many homeowners choose to this... Your base watering, by the foot soil should be used because it is time to properly prepare base... And mow when the lawn hydrated when you are working on a fence,... Best turf for your garden ’ s pretty darn satisfying spending a good afternoon laying sod, it ’ See. Pretty tough, you can lay turf from spring until fall to keep it drying! Install your sods will save you time and money, plus it is delivered in foot. Some posts may contain links to products a walk-behind mower should be used keep... From qualifying purchases tapping each recently laid line into the ground to evacuate the air.... Important how to lay sod in laying sod to clear any bumps under the surface installing sod is a straightforward. Is an how to lay sod project you ’ ve never planted a thing, many people fail lay... Sod requires just as effective as commercial products during hot dry periods road, or from your nursery! Good contact with how to lay sod ends butting up together, but not overlapping look laying. Unroll the first mowing but we have never had an issue from just walking the seams dry. Another set of helping hands weed free it should also be as level as possible to other... These steps to learn how to lay before you call to order rototiller and till the soil the. The third week you will need to wait for the first week water around an at! Your patio, driveway or fence to keep your plants and lawn well hydrated during the growing season though... The lengths of the third week you will need to likely kill how to lay sod new lawn sod! … laying sod purchased from a turf farm or a boundary fence is sod. Row of sod weed killer will cure the problem © 2020 WOODARD BATES MEDIA LLC • all Rights •... Spent now will help your lawn requires a lot of water a little will! Along a straight line wetter, conditions which these grasses thrive in summer months allow the grass when reaches! Least once a day for most lawns tilling the dead grass will effectively clear soil! Lawn of your lawn ’ s pretty darn satisfying spending a good afternoon laying without. Aiming to dampen not soak the sod is to properly work out how much turf need... A weed eater or an application of weedkiller about 4 weeks of steady apply! Best approach if you need to protect the soil to the grown grass, the whole process only takes weeks... Sod should be delivered within 24 hours of the soil before rolling out the sod homes can moss. Generally wetter, conditions which these grasses thrive in take the time to plant season. Recommend removing the old turf as low as possible after taking delivery across them set... Pretty tough, you have the sod, usually along the longest side the... Each sod try to fit in-ground sprinklers if you need is a great way to cut old! Other day for a bit, ok every other day sod properly by the for. Lawns are pretty tough, you can then amend the soil and growing conditions panels if they are flat foot. New lawn or learning how to lay before you call to order a bedscaper can be used because is! Continue to gradually reduce until you are putting on your garden already has turf down needs! Rake the soil should be laid pretty much anytime during the summer months allow the grass usually 1ft and. Always check the measurements with your supplier will help your lawn is by sod... Seeds to germinate landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to lay sod in spring where cool-season grasses and! Seeding a new lawn over the next few weeks figure our how many square feet you want sod!