Tips for Laying Sod - How to Install Grass Sod Rolls

You can learn how to put down sod grass using our tips for laying sod. Before you begin, however, remember that preparation is the most important step in having success with sod and that means having all the right information, tool and supplies.
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Rototilling is key to loosening up the soil; allowing it to mix nutrients and air. This allows the sod to manage and survive stress through a stronger root system.

 Supply and Tool List

Sod Cutter
Spades and rakes
Rototiller
Lawn Seeding Topsoil
Starter Fertilizer
Broadcast Spreader
Lawn Roller
Sod Staples
Sprinklers-Hoses

Step 1: Remove Old Sod, Loosen Soil With Rototiller Or Spade

Your first step is to remove any old sod with a sod cutter to give you a fresh area to start your job. Next you will need to loosen up the soil allows the sod to take up nutrients and air. For small areas you can hand turn it with a spade, but for larger areas a rototiller will do the best job and is definitely worth renting. Sandy or heavy clay soils need to be amended. Sod needs good drainage and good soil to grow and thrive. A good topsoil allows sod to survive stress periods and retain moisture and nutrients longer. A 3 to 6 inch layer of a good soil mix or compost is recommended. Level soil and rake smooth. Remove clumps, rocks, and debris.

Step 2: Starter Fertilizer

Starter fertilizer will give sod a faster, healthier start and a better chance of surviving. Spread starter fertilizer with a broadcast spreader over the soil at recommended rate. Rake lightly into soil.

Step 3: Lay The Sod

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A push lawn roller or towable lawn roller is highly recommended for smoothing out the new sod. You fill the roller with water and the weight of the roller helps flatten out any lumps. Secure the sod to the ground with sod staples to ensure good contact between the roots and soil, and also to prevent new sod from slumping down any hills.

Step 4: Watering

Watering sod at the right rates is especially important. Water two to three times daily until sod has properly rooted. To tell if sod is properly established (rooted), gently pull on the sod to see if it remains firmly in the ground.