When it comes to achieving a lush, vibrant lawn, sod grass rolls offer instant gratification. In this article, we’ll answer common questions about laying sod and provide a simple, step-by-step guide to help you prepare your soil and create a beautiful carpet of green.
What Direction Should You Lay Sod?
To start, make sure you lay your first row of sod against a straight edge, such as your yard, fence, or patio. This creates a clean, organized look for your lawn.
How Long Do You Have to Stay Off of New Sod?
It’s important to avoid walking on your newly installed sod for about a week. This allows the roots to establish and the sod to settle properly (see Step 5 for more details).
How Much Does It Cost for Sod Installation?
The cost of sod installation varies, but on average, it’s around $400 to cover a 1,000-square-foot backyard (double that if installed). However, by following our tips for laying sod, you’ll soon enjoy a dense, well-established lawn that naturally resists weeds, diseases, and pests.
“You’re basically buying time,” says landscape contractor Roger Cook. “You’re paying for turf that someone else has nurtured for 14 to 18 months.”
Steps for Laying Sod
Follow these simple steps to learn how to lay sod in your yard.
1. How to Prepare Your Soil for Sod
- Loosen the top 6 to 8 inches of soil with a rototiller.
- Spread 2 inches of finished compost (often available for free from the municipal compost center).
- Add 2 to 3 inches of sand to improve drainage in claylike soil.
- Till in any necessary amendments based on soil test results.
- Use a spreader to apply the appropriate starter fertilizer and lime, if necessary.
2. Leveling Your Lawn
- Use an iron rake to even out high spots and fill in low spots, ensuring the soil is level and 1 inch below paved surfaces like walkways or driveways.
- Lightly water the soil to dampen it.
3. Laying the First Row
- Find the longest straight edge in your yard, such as a fence line, and unroll the first roll of sod along it.
- Avoid stepping on the sod as you install it and rake out any footprints.
- Smooth out any loose areas or wrinkles, pressing the sod flat against the soil to eliminate air pockets.
4. Laying the Next Rows
- After laying the first row, cut off half of the next sod piece with a knife to stagger the seams, similar to laying bricks.
- Fit sections of turf together snugly without overlapping to create seamless joins and prevent edges from drying out.
- Use a knife to cut holes for sprinkler heads and trim pieces along planting beds and paved areas.
5. Watering New Sod
- Thoroughly water the newly installed sod to help settle the soil.
- Avoid walking on the sod for a week to allow the roots to establish.
- Water the sod every day, preferably in the morning, to minimize evaporation.
- After the first week, reduce watering to every other day, gradually tapering off to twice a week by the third week.
- Like any lawn, provide the sod with an inch of water per week, increasing as needed during hot summer months.
6. When to Mow New Sod
- When the grass reaches 3 inches in height, it’s time for the first mow.
- Use a walk-behind mower for the initial trim to avoid damaging the fragile new lawn.
- Cut the grass down to 2 inches and collect the clippings.
- Aim to mow one-third of the grass’s length at a time and use a sharp blade for optimal results.
7. Fertilizing New Sod
- Allow the lawn to grow for three to four weeks before applying a starter fertilizer to replenish lost nutrients.
- This will help the sod continue to thrive and establish a healthy root system.
What Is the Best Time of the Year to Lay Sod?
Sod can be installed from spring through fall, and even in mild winter climates. In regions favoring cool-season grasses, like the Northeast, sod avoids the weed problems that often arise when seeding a lawn in spring. In southern states favoring warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass and zoysia grass, sod is a great option for year-round coverage since these grass types cannot be grown from seed.
“Sometimes sod gets a bad reputation, but that’s usually due to mistakes in the installation process,” says Roger. “If laid on properly prepared soil, it will thrive.” Ideal conditions for turf include well-aerated and slightly acidic soil (pH between 6 and 7.5) enriched with nutrients. To determine your soil type and any necessary amendments, get a soil test from your local extension service for around $15.
Where to Buy Sod
Depending on your location, you can purchase sod from a local garden center or directly from a sod farm. The sod will typically consist of a blend of two or three turf grasses carefully selected for optimal color, texture, and durability. Make sure to inform your supplier about any shade conditions in your yard. It’s best to have the sod delivered within 24 hours of being cut and lay it the same day. Measure your yard accurately to order the right amount, with a small overage (around 5%) to account for curved areas.
Do I Need to Rototill Before Laying Sod?
For larger areas, it’s advisable to rototill the soil before laying sod. Rent a sod cutter to remove any patchy grass and a rototiller to loosen the soil. Additionally, you’ll need a sod-cutting knife, a spreader, an iron rake, compost, and other soil amendments based on your soil analysis. Plan for one weekend to prepare the soil and another to lay the turf. Consider enlisting extra help if covering more than 1,000 square feet.
Tips From Sod Farmers
Here are some valuable insights from sod farmers to enhance your DIY sod installation:
- Water the sod after laying the first large area to keep it moist. Move the sprinkler around as you complete each section.
- Use a soil probe to check moisture levels, as appearances can be deceiving. Ideally, the soil should be damp 3 to 4 inches below the surface after thorough watering.
- Shady areas require less frequent watering and reduced fertilizer by 25% to maintain strong turf.
Laying Sod Around Curves
While sod fits tightly together in neat rectangles when laid in straight lines, curves can pose a challenge. Instead of cutting the sod into strips, which may dry out and die, landscape contractor Roger Cook suggests using a sewing technique.
- Lay the sod next to the curve and pinch a couple of spots along one edge together.
- Create a triangular upward fold by pinching the sod.
- Cut along the crease with a razor knife, removing the triangular piece underneath.
- Lay the sod flaps together, making the cut disappear.
Soil Testing
Before investing in sod, it’s wise to have your soil tested to create an optimal environment for your new lawn to flourish. DIY soil testing kits from garden centers can provide readings on pH and nutrient levels; however, for the most accurate results, consider having your soil analyzed by your county extension service or state university. They’ll provide a detailed report with pH, texture, nutrient levels, and recommendations for correction. Soil testing can be done year-round, but spring or fall is ideal. Collect multiple soil samples from various spots in your yard, avoiding grass, weeds, and roots. Mix the samples, place about 2 cups of the mix in a zip-seal bag, and send it to the lab. Be sure to provide as much information as possible about your lawn conditions for tailored recommendations. Allow a couple of weeks for the lab’s results before proceeding with sod installation.
Where to Find Sod Farms
If you’re ready to purchase sod, here are a few reputable sod farms to consider:
- Chip Lane, Pine Island Turf Nursery, Pine Island, NY. Contact: 800-700-8873, www.pineturf.com
- David Millar, Red Hen Turf Farm, New Carlisle, IN. Contact: 574-232-6811, www.redhenturf.com
- Jutt Howard, NG Turf, Whitesburg, GA. Contact: 770-832-8608, https://NGTurf.com
For professional assistance, you can reach out to landscape contractor Roger Cook at K & R Tree and Landscape Co. in Burlington, MA: 781-272-6104.
Now that you have a comprehensive guide, you can confidently lay sod in your yard, creating a beautiful, thriving lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood. Remember, with proper preparation and care, your sod will flourish and provide years of enjoyment.
