How to Dig Sod

Water the area well at least 48 hours ahead of time to make the soil easier to dig through. Water until it is moist, but not overly saturated. Soggy soil is heavy and prone to compaction.

Use a sharp spade or edger to cut a strip one foot wide and six inches deep for the length of the area you are working. Cut the strip horizontally across with the spade into smaller 1- to 2-foot lengths if you want to remove the sod in small pieces. Skip this if you want to roll the strips of sod, but keep in mind that rolls of sod are heavy.

Slide the spade under the sod and cut through the roots two to three inches deep. Roll the sod back as you cut it for easy removal. Stack it soil side down if it is going to be laid somewhere else. For composting, cut the sod into small pieces and lay it root side up so it will die.