5 Steps to Lay Down Sod

While laying sod may sound like a huge undertaking, there is no better way to have a lush, beautiful, well-established, green lawn within just a few weeks. Waiting for new grass seed to grow may feel like waiting for paint to dry, but sod provides instant gratification and allows you to enjoy your new lawn in just a short matter of time. Following these five simple steps will get you off to a great start as you lay sod for your new lawn.

1. Prepare the soil.

Begin by removing any debris or patches of old turf. You could also use a glyphosate weed killer to kill existing vegetation. Then you should add high-quality topsoil to existing soil and use a garden fork or spade to turn the soil to a depth of about four to six inches. Sod will thrive when placed on properly prepared soil that supplies a nutrient-rich, aerated base.

2. Grade and roll.

You will need to grade the area properly to have a level surface that slopes down away from your home to allow for adequate drainage. Using a tiller loosens the soil and makes it easier for the new sod's roots to penetrate the soil. You should rake the tilled soil and add or remove soil wherever necessary to eliminate uneven spots. A light rolling will show any depressions or uneven areas that need to be leveled to create a smooth surface for installing the sod.

3. Make sure to fertilize.

Fertilizing before laying the sod allows more time for the fertilizer to get to work beneath the surface to provide food for the roots. This encourages roots to become established deeper into the soil, resulting in a healthier, more beautiful lawn.

4. Lay sod.

After you have leveled the surface and unrolled your new sod, begin laying the sod along the longest fixed edge of the lawn area. Use a garden knife or other cutting tool to trim the sod to fit around flower beds and uneven edges. You should stagger the pieces of sod so the cross-sections don't line up with each other.

After installing your new sod, use a sod roller over the entire area, vertically and horizontally. This will press the new sod down to connect with the underlying soil, eliminate air pockets, and encourage the roots to take hold.

5. Keep it green and natural by watering.

For the first 10 days or so, you will want to water your new lawn for at least an hour each day through a sprinkler system. (Who wants to spend an hour hosing down a lawn in the heat?) New sod requires a lot of water to encourage a healthy root system.

Monitor the weather and adjust your watering to accommodate excess heat or precipitation. In hot summer months, you might need to water more than once a day, and on days when it rains, you may need less water.

Sure, you can wait around for that grass to grow from seed, but if you want quicker results, choosing sod may be a better option for you. Keep these simple steps in mind as you prepare your soil and lay your new sod. Get ready to watch your lawn get green!