Sod is commonly used when new construction of homes is seen, when balding spots are seen in a lawn, or the waiting period for a new lawn to grow. In any case, laying sod can be an easy task and will generally grow into a lush lawn depending on the type of sod you choose. Sod is normally sold in rolled or folded strips with the soil exposed, and is about 2 feet wide and can be bought up to 10 feet long.
You will need:
- Shaded area to store sod in
- Garden gloves
- 1 bag of fertilizer and a seeder
- Rake
Step 1: Prepare your soil by using gardening gloves to protect your hands while removing all weeds and small stones or rocks. It is best if there is nothing beneath the sod to keep it from growing into a lush lawn. According to your fertilizer instructions and lawn size, measure out the fertilizer and place into the seeder. Walk the entire lawn using the seeder to spread the fertilizer completely.
Step 2: Store the sod in a shaded area until you are able to lay it. There are some places that get more rain than others, and it is best if the ground is dry when you lay the sod for the first time. Allow the ground to dry out properly before adding sod. Do not leave the sod out more than 24 hours in dry weather or it will die. Keep it watered and shaded as much as possible.
Step 3: Rake the soil of the lawn and smooth it out evenly. The lawn bed should be about one inch lower when completed, and this is just enough space for the sod since it comes with its own soil attached. To begin laying sod, lay out the first row following a straight line such as a sidewalk. Unroll the sod completely.
Step 4: Unroll the sod one piece at a time, and lay gently against the first piece’s edges to ensure straightness. The end seams on the first row will fall in the middle of the next row, as you will lay the rows in a staggered pattern. You should always fill in gaps with loose soil from raking the soil bed. If laying sod on a slope or hill, lay the rows perpendicular to the direction of the slope or hill. This keeps the sod from sliding. Water the sod between seams and along edges first, as these dry out fastest. Water daily for 2 weeks and then every other day for 3 weeks.
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