How to Place Sod Grass

How to Place Sod Grass

• 1

  Get rid of any weeds before planting the sod, as recommended by the University of Rhode Island and the University of Arkansas. Weeds compete with new grass for moisture and soil nutrients, so remove them before planting to make the healthiest lawn possible.

• 2

  Prepare the soil for planting by adding a layer of organic compost and mixing it into the soil with a tiller or garden fork. The National Gardening Association recommends tilling the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches, but ideally to 8 to 12 inches.

• 3

  Rake the planting area to make it smooth, as recommended by the National Gardening Association.

• 4

  Make sure the soil is somewhat moist. The University of Rhode Island suggests lightly watering the soil before unrolling the sod if the soil is dried out.

• 5

  Place the sod grass by unrolling the sod so that the edges of the pieces touch each other. Avoid leaving gaps in between pieces of sod, if possible, so that the grass grows evenly.

• 6

  Water the newly laid sod thoroughly and immediately after unrolling it.

• 7

  Wait for the sod to dry out some and then walk around on it and push down any air pockets so that all of the sod touches the soil beneath it.

• 8

  Continue to water the new sod regularly with 1 inch of water every two to three days. The University of Rhode Island explains that the sod itself and the ground underneath the sod both need to get moisture to encourage the grass roots to attach themselves to the soil beneath the sod. Be careful, however not to water the sod so much that it sits soaking in water. Water it enough to keep it constantly moist but make sure that the water drains through the soil.