An established grass layer called sod is dug up with roots and soil still attached. A sod farm harvests the grass in long strips and rolls it up using the soil side facing out. It is always recommended that you buy sod that can be harvested and delivered the same day you plan to install it. Moreover, planting sod more than 24 hours after harvesting may not be successful. 

Your lawn will also retain its value after sod installation and you won't have to water or mow it regularly. There are many benefits to sod installation, so you should consider it. Step-by-step instructions for installing sod are provided here. 

1. Test your soil

You should order a soil test kit from a local soil lab at least one month before installing sod. The results will allow you to amend the soil in accordance with the results before laying the sod.

Putting down sod might seem appealing, but testing and amending your soil before laying it is essential for successful sod establishment. Don't spend tons of money on a lawn that turns yellow and dies within one month.

2. Measuring - cleaning- Rotating soil

  • Make sure you measure the area you want for Sod Installation using a tape measure or a smartphone app like Measure My Lawn, Planimeter, or Google Maps.
  • If you want to install fresh sod on a previously grassed lawn, you must kill the grass and remove it first. The final step is appropriate if you have a bare lawn. 
  • The area should be cleaned of rocks, twigs, plastic, and any construction scraps. The soil must be free from any objects that may block the growth of sod.

3. Amend your soil

The time has come for you to start using that soil test. Make the necessary amendments to adjust nutrient levels and pH levels based on the results of the soil test and the recommendations made by the soil lab. 

After that, add 1 to 3 inches of compost and topsoil to your soil if it's clay-heavy or sandy to help roots breathe and boost nutrition. If your soil is highly acidic, add garden lime or wood ash to raise its pH. 

4. Grade the area

Add topsoil to any low spots where puddles may form and level off the area where you will install the sod with a rake. 

Water the area lightly after raking to see how water flows across the lawn and determine whether there are any additional spots to correct. You want the surface to be smooth and level without bumps, ditches, or valleys. The soil should be kept 1 inch below sprinkler heads, sidewalks, and patios.  

5. Laying the First Row

The fence line is the longest straight edge in a yard. Using the sod roller, unroll the first roll along the path. During the installation of the sod, make sure you stay off the sod and rake out any footprints you make. 

6. Laying the Next Rows

To stagger the short seams, cut off half of the following piece after laying the first row with the knife. It is important that sections of turf are butted tightly against each other without overlapping.

This will not only improve seam visibility but will also keep the edges from drying out and dying back. Use a knife to trim planting beds and paved areas, and to create holes for sprinkler heads. 

7. Fill in gaps

As soon as you are finished with the Sod installation, you can stand back and admire your efforts. You should check hard-to-reach and curved areas for bare spots. Once the holes have been patched, use topsoil and sod scraps to replace them. It's important to note that small sod scraps tend to dry out quickly, so these spots will need more water to become established. 

8. Roll out your lawn

After installing your new sod, grab that lawn roller again and roll gently over the lawn to ensure an even, smooth surface and strong soil contact. If you are rolling your sod, make sure you step softly to avoid leaving heavy trails. 

9. Give sod a good soaking

You should water your new sod deeply. You should water your lawn by hand rather than using an automated system to ensure each area gets the appropriate amount of water. Make sure the sod stays moist for the first 10 to 14 days after Sod installation by watering early in the morning and multiple times a day during dry periods.