How to Sod Bermuda Grass

Preparation of Soil

• 1

  Kill all weeds in the area with a universal weed killer approximately two weeks prior to planting. This gives you time to get rid of all invasive plants while allowing the soil to rest before you take further steps.

• 2

  Test the soil's nutrient content to determine what type of fertilizer you need. Bermuda grass prefers a soil pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. Any results below 6.5 and you should apply lime. If you choose not to test your soil, purchase a fertilizer with a 5-10-15 NPK content: That is 5 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphorous and 15 percent potassium. You will need 20 pounds per 1,000 square feet. You should also purchase a 50-pound bag of lime for every 1,000 square feet of lawn.

• 3

  Ensure the earth below your lawn does not have any underground utility lines running directly below. Dial 811 to be sure it is safe to dig. This number is valid throughout the United States and set up specifically to confirm that an area is safe to dig.

• 4

  Till the soil down 6 inches, adding the lime and fertilizer as you go. Mix the soil and fertilizers evenly to ensure your future lawn has the necessary nutrients to survive. To till the soil, use a manual garden tiller or a power tiller. Use a manual tiller on small spaces or in rocky soil, as rocks can damage the tines on power tillers. Power tillers are best on larger areas with no large rocks embedded beneath.

• 5

  Smooth out your soil with a rake. This also removes any unwanted pebbles, rocks and other debris. To see if your soil is level, spray it with water to determine if pools form in areas. If you find depressed areas where water gathers, fill them with soil.

• 6

  Water your soil between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch the night before you put in the sod. If you don't water your soil the night before, the newly planted sod might not survive because the soil lacks the necessary dampness.

Applying the Sod

• 7

  Put down the sod. Bermuda grass sod typically comes in rolls or squares on pallets. Start on one edge of your lawn, laying down pieces tightly next to each other. In each row, stagger the pieces so that the edges, or seams, do not line up. Trim or cut any pieces that are too big near edges to make them fit. You can do this by using the sharp edge of a shovel, a hatchet or sod shears.

• 8

  Roll a lawn tumbler over the newly laid sod. This helps the roots connect with the existing soil, enabling the grass to establish more quickly. It also levels out the lawn a second time. If you don't own a lawn roller, your local garden or home improvement store should have some available to rent.

• 9

  Water your grass immediately after completing the sod. You should give the lawn about 1 inch of water. Apply enough water every day keep the sod from drying out. Keep the soil and new grass moist until you see new growth. Sod establishment usually takes between 30 and 60 days.