How to Lay Sod: 4 Ways to Prepare Your Lawn for Sod

Sod, also known as turf, is a commercially-grown grass that homeowners can lay over an exterior space to create a lawn. You can purchase long strips of rolled-up sod cut to fit the requirements of your area. In comparison to growing a lawn from seed, sod is a quick process. To lay sod, you must prepare the soil, then maintain the yard after installation.

Whether you plan to install the sod as a DIY project or hire out the service to a professional, you will have to prepare your soil for the fresh sod. Follow these steps to prep your space:

1. 1. Get a soil test. The pH of your soil will determine what kind of fertilizers or additives you need to give your sod project the best results. Ideally, you should be looking for slightly acidic soil, around 6.5 to 7. You can use an at-home soil test kit or send your sample away for professional testing.
2. 2. Measure your lawn area. Measure how many square feet of sod you need to order. It’s always good to purchase a bit more than you’ll need since any uneven or curved areas of your lawn space will require cutting the sod to make it fit. A good rule of thumb is five percent extra beyond the required square footage.
3. 3. Prep your space. Laying sod is best done in spring or fall. In warmer climates, where warm-season turf grasses like centipede grass or zoysia are popular, you can lay sod any time of the year. If you have an existing lawn, rent a sod cutter to remove it effectively. This handy motorized tool will remove the top layer of grass and roots, leaving an even layer of soil underneath. (The flatter the space is, the better the sod will lay and take root.) If you don’t have an existing lawn, you can use a rototiller to prepare the soil. A rototiller or a hand-tilling tool, such as a hoe, will help kill any weeds or debris like rocks. You want to till about six to eight inches into the soil.
4. 4. Prepare your soil. Spread organic matter like compost evenly with a rake to ensure the soil is healthy and well-draining. You can also add a starter fertilizer, which will help with the overall health of your soil. It’s helpful to give the ground a nice thorough watering one to two days before the sod arrives.

Laying sod is a faster landscaping project than growing a lawn from grass seed. To do the sod installation yourself, follow these steps for buying, installing, and caring for a sod lawn:

1. 1. Shop around. You can order sod from your local garden center or sod farm. Professionals can provide the know-how to match their product to the needs of your particular lawn space and give you specific lawn care tips. Knowing your soil’s pH and the amount of sunlight and shade your lawn will be getting will ensure you get the right kind of sod.
2. 2. Place your order. Sod will usually be delivered within a day of being cut. Fresh sod has a shallow root system and is prone to drying out, so be prepared to install the roll of sod as soon as it’s dropped off.
3. 3. Unroll the sod strips. Upon delivery, unroll the strips and begin to lay them down. Start the first row on a straight edge, such as alongside a fence, then stagger the strips so in a brick wall pattern. This pattern will allow for a more uniform appearance and will help prevent the fragile edges of the sod strips from drying out. Finish by cutting smaller pieces to fill in areas like walkways or holes for sprinkler heads.
4. 4. Press the sod into the lawn. Once the rolls are in place, use a lawn roller to press the sod down into the soil. This will get rid of air pockets and promote the growth of the sod’s roots as they grow down into the soil.
5. 5. Water your sod. Water your new sod liberally every day for the first week, and water less if it rains. Then water every other day, gradually tapering off until the fourth week, when you should be down to one inch per week. If you notice any puddles forming, add topsoil to these low spots to level them out with the rest of your new lawn.
6. 6. Protect your lawn. Minimize foot traffic on the sod for the first few weeks to protect the sod as it roots.
7. 7. Mow your lawn. Wait until the new grass is at least three inches tall and at least two weeks after the sod has been laid to mow your lawn. Use a push mower rather than a rider mower; remember, although it looks like a flourishing lawn, it’s still getting established.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.