How to Lay Sod
Sod gives you instant lawn — but only if it's laid on prepared soil and watered religiously the first two weeks. Skip either step and it goes brown fast.
Safety firstPlan delivery for the morning you'll lay it. Sod left rolled on a pallet in the sun can die in 24 hours.
What You'll Need
- Rototiller (rented)
- Bow rake
- Sharp utility knife
- Lawn roller (rented)
- Sprinkler or hose-end
- Starter fertilizer
- Topsoil
Step-by-Step
- Test and prep the soilPull weeds and rocks, then till to 4–6 inches. Amend with compost if the soil is heavy clay or pure sand.
- Grade and rake smoothRake the area smooth, sloping slightly away from the house. Fill low spots — they'll only get worse under sod.
- Spread starter fertilizerApply a starter fertilizer made for new lawns. It feeds the roots, not the blades.
- Roll out the first rowLay the first row along a straight edge — a driveway, walkway, or string line — with seams butted tight, not overlapped.
- Stagger like brickworkStart each new row with a half-piece so the seams in one row don't line up with the next.
- Cut and fit edgesUse a sharp utility knife to trim sod around curves, sprinklers, and beds.
- Roll the lawnRun a half-full lawn roller over the new sod to press roots into the soil. This is what makes it 'take.'
- Water immediately and deeplySoak the new sod within 30 minutes of laying. Keep it consistently moist for two weeks — water 1–2 times daily until rooted.
If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.