Are you unsatisfied with your lawn’s curb appeal? Maybe you’re hosting a barbecue or just want to freshen things up. Laying sod can provide a quick and long-lasting solution to your lawn needs. Whether you’re learning how to lay sod by yourself, or deciding if it’s a job you’d rather hire an expert for, this blog will walk you through the process.
What Is Sod?
Sod (also known as turf) is pre-grown grass that you can roll out and place on your lawn. It is grown and harvested by keeping the roots and soil intact so it’s ready to grow in a new area. Sod comes in different varieties, so it’s important to choose the right type for your yard.
Why Choose Sod?
While alternatives like hardscaping, artificial turf, and seeding are all good options, sod provides a quick and beautiful yard easily. Here are some of the benefits:
1. Instant Results
Unlike grass seed that takes weeks (or even months!) to germinate and grow, sod provides a fully-grown, lush lawn in a single day.
2. Improved Property Value
A well-maintained lawn can significantly boost your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re preparing to sell or just wanting to impress, sod is a great option to improve your home’s appearance.
3. Better Erosion Control
Sod controls loose soil with its tightly knit grass roots and soil structure. It’s an excellent solution for sloped yards, hills, or areas prone to erosion.
4. Healthier Environment
Grass reduces carbon dioxide, improves air quality, and lowers surface temperatures in the summer. A healthy lawn benefits not just your home but the planet too.
5. Easier Maintenance for Tough Spots
If you’ve got areas in your yard where grass feels impossible to grow, sod gives you a fresh start. Sod is often more tolerant than grass seed when it comes to shady spots, compact soil, or poor drainage areas.
6. Weed Prevention
Fresh sod provides a thick, dense lawn that blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds sitting in the soil. It won’t prevent weeds totally, since the seeds can fall into the top and grow, but it can help you start fresh with a beautiful lawn.
How to Lay Sod in 6 Easy Steps
Ready to create your new lawn? Here’s how to lay sod in a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Prepare the Soil
Proper preparation is key.
- Remove Debris: Start by clearing out rocks, sticks, and old grass. Use a dethatcher or sod cutter for large areas.
- Grade Your Yard: Ensure the yard is level by filling in low spots and removing soil from hills to avoid drainage problems.
- Till the Soil: Loosen the top 4-6 inches of soil with a rototiller or garden fork to promote deep root growth.
Step 2. Ensure the Soil Is Damp
One day before laying your sod, water the soil thoroughly. The soil should be damp to the touch but not overly wet or muddy. Damp soil helps the sod take root quickly and evenly.
Step 3. Lay Fresh Sod Rolls
When you’re ready to lay the sod, here’s the rundown:
- Start Straight: Begin laying sod along the longest straight edge (such as a driveway or sidewalk). This keeps rows even as you work.
- Stagger the Seams: Treat the sod rolls like bricks. When you alternate the placement of each roll, it helps eliminate gaps and creates a tighter, seamless lawn.
- Work Quickly: Sod must be laid the same day it’s delivered to keep it fresh.
Step 4. Fill Gaps and Cut to Fit
If you have an irregularly shaped lawn, or edges that don’t quite fit, you can do the following:
- Use a sharp utility knife or sod cutter to trim edges and fit sod pieces around curves, trees, and flower beds.
- Fill gaps wider than 1 inch with soil or smaller strips of sod.
Step 5. Press Down the Sod
To help the sod take root better, roll over the lawn with a sod roller. This tool presses out air pockets, promoting successful growth. If you don’t have a sod roller, you can press the sod down gently with your feet.
Step 6. Water Thoroughly
Water your newly laid sod immediately after installation. For the first two weeks, keep the sod consistently moist by watering 2-3 times a day, depending on weather conditions. Deep watering helps ensure the grass roots connect to the soil below.
Maintaining Your Sod Moving Forward
Once your sod is down, you’ll need to take care of it to make sure it grows healthily. This includes:
- Regular Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times a week once the roots establish (usually after two weeks).
- Avoid Heavy Foot Traffic: Keep kids, pets, and mowers off the grass for the first 10 days to allow roots to grow.
- First Mow: Wait about 2 weeks before attempting to mow. You’ll want to keep it longer than usual for a while, so plan to just remove the top 1-3 inches.
- Fertilize Often: Apply a starter fertilizer after 4 weeks, and follow it up with annual applications.
Transform Your Lawn with Stoeckig Landscape Group
Sod is a great option for giving your yard the refresh it deserves. But laying sod can be hard work. Here at Stoeckig, we know how to lay sod. We have over 20 years of experience crafting dream landscapes. If you’re looking to replace your yard, we can help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space that adds value, curb appeal, and freshness to your home.
Ready to get your new lawn started? Contact our Georgia lawn care experts today!